Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
WO 2017/070117 PCT/US2016/057547
LIQUID-GAS SEPARATOR
[0011
BACKGROUND
[002] Suction products suctioned from a field may comprise mixtures of
solids, liquids, and
gases.
SUMMARY
10031 Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for suctioning a
flow of matter
from a field, such as a surgical field.
[004] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a system for separation
a flow of matter.
The system comprises a flow separation device, a surgical instrument, and a
suction source. The
flow separation device comprises (a) a hollow body comprising a first end, a
second end, and an
inner volume therebetween; (b) a suction port disposed at the first end; (c) a
collection port
disposed at the second end; (d) an input port disposed between the first end
and the second end
and fluidically connected to the inner volume; (e) one or more baffles
disposed within the inner
volume between the first end and the second end; and (f) a shaft disposed
within the inner
volume. In some embodiments, the input port is configured to receive a flow of
matter
comprising a gas, a liquid, a solid, or combination thereof. In some
embodiments, the shaft is
configured to direct the flow of matter received into the hollow body. In some
embodiments, at
least a portion of a liquid of the flow of matter exits the hollow body from a
port different than a
port from which at least a portion of a gas of the flow of matter exits.
[005] In some embodiments, the shaft directs at least a portion of the flow
of matter in a
cyclonic pattern along an inner surface of the hollow body. In some
embodiments, the gas exits
the suction port and the liquid exits the collection port. In some
embodiments, the one or more
baffles are configured to prevent the flow of matter from passing directly
from the input port to
the suction port without first traversing at least a portion of the
circumference of the inner
surface. In some embodiments, the one or more baffles comprise a plurality of
openings
configured to receive at least a portion of the flow of matter. In some
embodiments, the plurality
of openings is distal to the input port. In some embodiments, the one or more
baffles comprise a
tapered section or comprise a plurality of cylindrical sections having
different diameters. In
some embodiments, the second end comprises a conical shape. In some
embodiments, the
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hollow body comprises a cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the flow of
matter comprises
surgical waste. In some embodiments, the flow of matter comprises biological
material.
[006] In some embodiments, the input port is proximal to the suction port
and distal from the
collection port. In some embodiments, the suction port is configured to couple
to the suction
source. In some embodiments, the suction source is a passive suction source.
In some
embodiments, the collection port is configured to couple to a collection
container. In some
embodiments, the flow separation device is attachable or formed therein a
collection container.
In some embodiments, the one or more baffles aids in the separation of gas, of
liquid, or a
combination thereof from the flow of matter.
[007] In some embodiments, the input port forms an angle relative to a
central axis of the
hollow body that is less than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the angled
input port enhances
entry of the flow of matter into the input port, enhances a cyclonic pattern
of flow along an inner
surface of the hollow body, or a combination thereof.
[008] In some embodiments, the flow separation device enhances a suction
capacity of the
surgical instrument operatively coupled to the input port. In some
embodiments, the suction
capacity is increased at least about 1.25 fold compared to a surgical
instrument not operatively
coupled to the flow separation device.
[009] In some embodiments, the flow separation device is disposable. In
some embodiments,
the flow separation device further comprises one or more filters. In some
embodiments, the one
or more filters are disposed adjacent to the collection port. In some
embodiments, a pore size of
the one or more filters is less than about 1 micron. In some embodiments, the
one or more filters
collect one or more solids.
[0010] In some embodiments, the one or more solids are a bacterium, a
bacterial fragment, a
bacterial particle, a virus, a viral fragment, a viral particle, or any
combination thereof. In some
embodiments, the flow separation device further comprises one or more
positively charged
matrices, one or more negatively charged matrices, or any combination thereof
In some
embodiments, the one or more positively charged matrices, one or more
negatively charged
matrices, or any combination thereof are operatively connected to the suction
port. In some
embodiments, the flow separation device is operatively coupled to one or more
surgical
instruments, one or more suctioning devices, one or more suction sources, one
or more canisters,
one or more filtration units, one or more charged matrices, or any combination
thereof.
[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a flow separation
device. In some
embodiments, the flow separation device comprises: (a) a separator body having
a cylindrical
cavity having a cylindrical wall and first cylindrical cavity end and a second
cylindrical cavity
end, configured to operate with the first cylindrical cavity end up; (b) a
conical cavity having a
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narrow end and a wide end, the wide end mated to the second cylindrical cavity
end; (c) an input
port disposed in the cylindrical cavity wall, configured to receive a flow of
matter; (d) an suction
port mated to the first cylindrical cavity end and configured to couple to a
vacuum source; (e) an
collection port mated to the narrow end of the conical cavity and configured
to couple to a waste
deposit; (0 a baffle disposed between the input port and the suction port,
configured to prevent
the flow of matter from passing directly from the input port to the suction
port without first
traversing at least a portion of a circumference of an interior of the
cylindrical wall; and (g) a
cylindrical shaft disposed within a center of the cylindrical cavity and
configured to direct the
flow of matter within the cylindrical cavity.
[0012] In some embodiments, the input port is located off-axis of an axis
defined by the
longitudinal center of the separator body. In some embodiments, the input port
is located closer
to the first cylindrical end than the second cylindrical end. In some
embodiments, the suction
source comprises a vacuum pump.
[0013] In some embodiments, the suction source comprises a positive pressure
operated
suction generator that utilizes a Coanda effect. In some embodiments, the
suction source
comprises a positive pressure operated suction generator that utilizes a
Venturi effect.
[0014] In some embodiments, the baffle comprises a plurality of openings to
allow passage of
the flow of matter, comprising separated portions thereof, out of the suction
port. In some
embodiments, the baffle comprises a solid surface located proximal to the
input port and distal
to the plurality of openings, configured to prevent the flow of matter,
comprising separated
portions thereof, from passing directly from the input port to the suction
port without first
traversing at least a portion of a circumference of the cylindrical cavity
wall.
[0015] In some embodiments, the baffle is integral to the cylindrical shaft.
In some
embodiments, the cylindrical shaft comprises a plurality of conic sections
each comprising a
wide end and a narrow end of varying diameters and a plurality of cylindrical
sections of
varying diameter configured to direct the flow of matter within the
cylindrical cavity. In some
embodiments, the separator is further configured to allow passage of the flow
of matter,
unseparated, from the input port to the suction port when the flow of matter
is no longer able to
be expelled out of the collection port.
[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of operating
a separator. In
some embodiments, the method comprises: (a) providing a separator comprising:
a separator
body comprising: (i) a cylindrical cavity having a cylindrical wall and first
cylindrical cavity end
and a second cylindrical cavity end, configured to operate with the first
cylindrical cavity end
up; (ii) a conical cavity having a narrow end and a wide end, the wide end
mated to the second
cylindrical cavity end; (iii) an input port disposed in the cylindrical cavity
wall configured to
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receive a flow of matter; (iv) an suction port mated to the first cylindrical
cavity end and
configured to couple to a vacuum source; (v) a collection port mated to the
narrow end of the
conical cavity and configured to couple to a waste deposit; (vi) a baffle
disposed between the
input port and the suction port, configured to prevent the flow of matter from
passing directly
from the input port to the suction port without first traversing at least a
portion of a
circumference of an interior of the cylindrical wall; and (vii) a cylindrical
shaft disposed within
a center of the cylindrical cavity and configured to direct the flow of matter
within the
cylindrical cavity, (b) attaching the suction port to the suction source; (c)
mating the collection
port to a waste deposit; (d) activating the suction source thereby creating
the flow of matter into
the input port; (e) expelling portions of the flow of matter out of the
collection port; and (f)
pulling portions of the flow of matter out of the suction port.
[0017] In some embodiments, the method further comprises locating the input
port off-axis of
an axis defined by a longitudinal center of the separator body. In some
embodiments, the method
further comprises locating the input port closer to the first cylindrical end
than the second
cylindrical end. In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing
the suction
source using a vacuum pump.
[0018] In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the suction
source
using a positive pressure operated suction generator that utilizes a Coanda
effect. In some
embodiments, the method further comprises providing the suction source using a
positive
pressure operated suction generator that utilizes a Venturi effect.
[0019] In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the baffle
with a
plurality of openings allowing passage of the flow of matter, comprising
separated portions
thereof, out of the suction port. In some embodiments, the method further
comprises providing
the baffle a solid surface located proximal to the input port and distal to
the opening, thereby
preventing the flow of matter, comprising separated portions thereof, from
passing directly from
the input port to the suction port without first traversing at least a portion
of a circumference of
the cylindrical cavity wall.
[0020] In some embodiments, the method further comprises integrating the
baffle to the
cylindrical shaft. In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing
the cylindrical
shaft a plurality of conic sections each comprising a wide end and a narrow
end of varying
diameters and a plurality of cylindrical sections of varying diameter thereby
directing the flow
of matter along the cylindrical cavity wall. In some embodiments, the method
further comprises
allowing passage of the flow of matter, unseparated, from the input port to
the suction port when
the flow of matter is no longer expelling out of the collection port. In some
embodiments, the
method further comprises providing the suction source using a vacuum pump. In
some
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embodiments, the method further comprises providing the suction source using a
positive
pressure operated suction device that utilizes a Coanda effect. In some
embodiments, the method
further comprises coupling the separator to a canister.
[0021] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system of flow
separators. In some
embodiments, the system of flow separators comprises. (a) one or more
separators, each
comprising. a separator body comprising: (i) a cylindrical cavity having a
cylindrical wall and
first cylindrical cavity end and a second cylindrical cavity end, configured
to operate with the
first cylindrical cavity end up; (ii) a conical cavity having a narrow end and
a wide end, the wide
end mated to the second cylindrical cavity end; (iii) an input port disposed
in the cylindrical
cavity wall, configured to receive a flow of matter; an suction port mated to
the first cylindrical
cavity end and configured to couple to a vacuum source; (iv) an collection
port mated to the
narrow end of the conical cavity and configured to couple to a waste deposit;
(v) a baffle
disposed between the input port and the suction port, configured to prevent
the flow of matter
from passing directly from the input port to the suction port without first
traversing at least a
portion of a circumference of the interior of the cylindrical wall; and (vi) a
cylindrical shaft
disposed within the center of the cylindrical cavity and configured to direct
the flow within the
cylindrical cavity; and (b) one or more canisters configured to couple to an
associated separator.
[0022] In some embodiments, the suction port of one separator is coupled to
the input port of
another separator. In some embodiments, the one or more separators are
configured to
discontinue filling a first canister when the first canister has reached a pre-
detet mined volume
and allow the flow of matter, unseparated, to pass through the input port and
out of the output
port of a first separator to the input port of a second separator coupled to a
canister that is not
filled to a pre-determined capacity.
[0023] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of operating
a separator
system. In some embodiments, the system comprises: (a) providing one or more
separators, each
comprising: a separator body comprising: (i) a cylindrical cavity having a
cylindrical wall and
first cylindrical cavity end and a second cylindrical cavity end, configured
to operate with the
first cylindrical cavity end up; (ii) a conical cavity having a narrow end and
a wide end, the wide
end mated to the second cylindrical cavity end; (iii) an input port disposed
in the cylindrical
cavity wall, configured to receive a flow of matter; (iv) an suction port
mated to the first
cylindrical cavity end and configured to couple to a vacuum source; (v) an
collection port mated
to the narrow end of the conical cavity and configured to couple to a waste
deposit; (vi) a baffle
disposed between the input port and the suction port, configured to prevent
the flow of matter
from passing directly from the input port to the suction port without first
traversing at least a
portion of the circumference of the interior of the cylindrical wall; and
(vii) a cylindrical shaft
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disposed within the center of the cylindrical cavity and configured to direct
the flow of matter
within the cylindrical cavity; (b) coupling the suction port of one separator
to the input port of
another separator, forming a series of separators; (c) attaching the suction
port of a last separator
in the series of separators to the suction source; (d) activating the suction
source thereby creating
a flow of matter through the series of separators; (e) receiving the flow of
matter into the input
port of a first separator in the series of separators; (0 pulling gas out of
the suction port of the
first separator while an associated canister is filled below a pre-determined
capacity; expelling
portions of the flow of matter out of the collection port of the first
separator until an associated
canister is filled to a pre-determined limit; (g) passing the flow of matter
from the input port out
of the suction port of the first separator to an input port of a second
separator in the series of
separators coupled to a canister that is not filled to a predetermined limit;
receiving the flow of
matter into the input port of the second separator; (h) pulling gas out of the
suction port of the
second separator while an associated canister is filled below a pre-determined
capacity; and (i)
expelling portions of the flow of matter out of the collection port of the
second separator until an
associated canister is filled to a pre-determined limit.
[0024] In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the suction
source
using a vacuum pump. In some embodiments, the method further comprises
providing the
suction source using a positive pressure operated suction generator that
utilizes a Coanda effect.
[0025] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a liquid-gas flow
separator. In some
embodiments, the separator comprises: (a) a cylindrical cavity comprising a
cylindrical cavity
wall, a first cylindrical cavity end, and a second cylindrical cavity end, the
separator configured
to operate with the first cylindrical cavity end being up; (b) a suction port
to be coupled to a
suction source, the suction port being in the first cylindrical cavity end;
(c) a conical cavity, the
conical cavity comprising a wide end and a narrow end, the wide end being
mated to the second
cylindrical cavity end; (d) a collection port at the narrow end of the conical
cavity; (e) an input
port to receive a flow of matter comprising a mixture of liquid and gas, the
input port being in
the cylindrical cavity wall, the flow of matter induced into the separator by
the suction source,
the input port configured to direct liquids in the flow the matter to cling to
the cylindrical cavity
wall; (0 a baffle disposed between the input port and the suction port, the
baffle configured to
prevent liquids in the flow of matter from being pulled directly from the
input port to the suction
port without traversing at least a first portion of a circumference of the
cylindrical cavity wall,
the baffle configured to allow gasses in the flow of matter to separate from
the liquids in the
flow of matter and be pulled out of the separator via the suction port; and a
cylindrical central
member disposed within the cylindrical cavity, the central member disposed to
form an annular
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cavity between the cylindrical central member and the cylindrical cavity wall,
the liquids in the
flow of matter pass through the annular cavity before dropping out the
collection port.
[0026] In some embodiments, the flow of matter further comprises solids, the
solids in the
flow of matter pass through the annular cavity before dropping out the
collection port. In some
embodiments, the baffle comprises a plurality of openings to allow the gasses
in the flow of
matter to be pulled out of the separator via the suction port. In some
embodiments, the baffle
comprises a solid portion that prevents liquids in the flow of matter from
being pulled directly
from the input port to the suction port, the solid portion corresponding to at
least the first portion
of the circumference.
[0027] In some embodiments, the central member comprises a tapered section
disposed in the
conical cavity. In some embodiments, the central member comprises a plurality
of cylindrical
sections comprising different diameters.
[0028] In some embodiments, a plurality of cylindrical sections includes a
first section that
defines a first portion of the annular cavity and a second section that
defines a second portion of
the annular cavity. In some embodiments, the first portion is disposed between
the baffle and the
second portion, the second portion is disposed between the first portion and
the conical cavity.
In some embodiments, the central member further comprises a tapered section
disposed in the
conical cavity thereby forming a hollow cone shaped cavity, the hollow cone
shaped cavity
disposed between the second portion and the second port.
[0029] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of operating
a liquid-gas
flow separator. In some embodiments, the method comprises: (a) providing a
cylindrical cavity
having a cylindrical cavity wall, a first cylindrical cavity end, and a second
cylindrical cavity
end, and operating the separator with the first cylindrical cavity end being
up, (b) coupling a
suction port to a suction source, the suction port being in the first
cylindrical cavity end; (c)
providing a conical cavity, the conical cavity having a wide end and a narrow
end, and mating
the wide end to the second cylindrical cavity end; (d) providing a collection
port at the narrow
end of the conical cavity; (e) receiving a flow comprising a mixture of liquid
and gas at a input
port, the input port being in the cylindrical cavity wall, and inducing the
flow into the separator
by the suction source, directing liquids in the flow to cling to the
cylindrical cavity wall by
configuring the input port; (f) providing a baffle disposed between the input
port and the suction
port, thereby preventing liquids in the flow from being pulled directly from
the input port to the
suction port without traversing at least a first portion of a circumference of
the cylindrical cavity
wall, and allowing gasses in the flow to separate from the liquids in the flow
and pulling the
gasses out of the separator via the suction port; and (g) providing a
cylindrical central member
disposed within the cylindrical cavity, disposing the central member to form
an annular cavity
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between the central member and the cylindrical cavity wall, and passing the
liquids in the flow
through the annular cavity before dropping out the collection port.
[0030] In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing a flow
further
comprising solids and passing the solids in the flow through the annular
cavity before dropping
out the collection port. In some embodiments, the method further comprises
providing the baffle
comprising a plurality of openings to allow the gasses in the flow to be
pulled out of the
separator via the suction port. In some embodiments, the method further
comprises preventing
liquids in the flow from being pulled directly from the input port to the
suction port by providing
the baffle comprising a solid portion, the solid portion corresponding to at
least the first portion
of the circumference.
[0031] In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the central
member
comprising a tapered section disposed in the conical cavity. In some
embodiments, the method
further comprises providing the central member comprising a plurality of
cylindrical sections
comprising different diameters. In some embodiments, the method further
comprises providing a
plurality of cylindrical sections comprising a first section defining a first
portion of the annular
cavity and a second section defining a second portion of the annular cavity.
[0032] In some embodiments, the method further comprises disposing the first
portion
between the baffle and the second portion and disposing the second portion
between the first
portion and the conical cavity. In some embodiments, the method further
comprises providing
the central member a tapered section disposed in the conical cavity thereby
forming a hollow
cone shaped cavity and disposing the hollow cone shaped cavity between the
second portion and
the collection port.
[0033] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a flow separator. In
some
embodiments, the flow separator comprises: (a) a cylindrical cavity comprising
a cylindrical
wall comprising a first end and a second end, the first end disposed in an
upward position, and
means for directing a flow of matter along a circumference of the cylindrical
cavity wall; (b) an
input port mated to the cylindrical cavity wall, and means for receiving the
flow of matter and
directing the flow of matter into the cylindrical cavity; (c) an suction port
mated to the first end
of the cylindrical cavity, and means for coupling the separator to a suction
source; (d) the
suction port comprising means for expelling at least gasses out of the
separator; (e) a conical
cavity comprising a wide end and a narrow end and a conical cavity wall, the
wide end mated to
the second end of the cylindrical cavity, and a means for directing the flow
of matter to create a
flow within the cylindrical cavity whereby gasses are directed out of the
suction port and at least
liquids are directed out of narrow end of the conical cavity; (I) an
collection port mated to the
narrow end of the conical cavity, and a means for expelling at least liquids
for collection; (g) a
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baffle disposed between the input port and the first end of the cylindrical
cavity, and means for
preventing liquids and/or solids from passing from the input port to the
suction port without first
traversing at least a portion of the circumference of the cylindrical cavity
wall; and (h) a
cylindrical central member disposed concentrically within the cylindrical
cavity forming an
annular cavity between the cylindrical central member and the cylindrical
cavity wall to allow
passage of at least liquids, and means for expelling at least liquids out of
the collection port for
collection.
[0034] In some embodiments, the flow of matter comprises one or more of
liquids, solids and
gasses, and means for the liquids and/or solids to pass through the annular
cavity and out of the
collection port.
[0035] In some embodiments, the baffle comprises a plurality of openings, and
means for
allowing matter to pass through the baffle and out the suction port after
traversing at least a
portion of the circumference of the cylindrical cavity wall. In some
embodiments, the baffle
comprises a solid portion disposed proximally to the input port, and means for
preventing liquids
and/or solids in the flow of matter from being pulled directly from the input
port to the suction
port before traversing at least a portion of a circumference of the
cylindrical cavity wall.
[0036] In some embodiments, the central member comprises a tapered section
disposed in the
conical cavity, and means for directing the flow of matter within the
separator. In some
embodiments, the central member comprises a plurality of cylindrical sections
comprising
different diameters, and means for directing the flow of matter within the
separator.
[0037] In some embodiments, a plurality of cylindrical sections include a
first section that
defines a first portion of the annular cavity and a second section that
defines a second portion of
the annular cavity, and means for directing the flow of matter within the
separator. In some
embodiments, the first portion is disposed between the baffle and the second
portion, the second
portion is disposed between the first portion and the conical cavity, and
means for directing the
flow of matter within the separator. In some embodiments, the central member
further comprises
a tapered section disposed in the conical cavity thereby forming a hollow cone
shaped cavity,
the hollow cone shaped cavity disposed between the second portion and the
collection port, and
means for directing the flow of matter through the hollow cone shaped cavity.
[0038] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system of liquid-
gas separators. In
some embodiments, the system comprises: (a) one or more separators comprising:
(i) a
cylindrical cavity comprising a cylindrical wall comprising a first end and a
second end, the first
end disposed in an upward position, and means for directing a flow of matter
along the
circumference of the cylindrical cavity wall; (ii) an input port mated to the
cylindrical cavity
wall, and means for receiving the flow of matter and directing the flow of
matter into the
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cylindrical cavity; (iii) an suction port mated to the first end of the
cylindrical cavity, and means
for coupling the separator to a suction source; (iv) the suction port
comprising means for
expelling at least gasses out of the separator; (v) a conical cavity
comprising a wide end and a
narrow end and a conical cavity wall, the wide end mated to the second end of
the cylindrical
cavity, and a means for directing the flow of matter to create a flow within
the cylindrical cavity
whereby gasses are directed out of the suction port and at least liquids are
directed out of narrow
end of the conical cavity; (vi) an collection port mated to the narrow end of
the conical cavity,
and a means for expelling at least liquids for collection, (vii) a baffle
disposed between the input
port and the first end of the cylindrical cavity, and means for preventing
liquids and/or solids
from passing from the input port to the suction port without first traversing
at least a portion of
the circumference of the cylindrical cavity wall; and (viii) a cylindrical
central member disposed
concentrically within the cylindrical cavity forming an annular cavity between
the cylindrical
central member and the cylindrical cavity wall to allow passage of at least
liquids, and means for
expelling at least liquids out of the collection port for collection; (b) one
or more canisters each
mated to a corresponding separator, and a means for coupling to the separator
and collecting at
least a portion of the flow of matter from the collection port; and (c) a
suction source, and a
means for providing suction to the suction port.
[0039] In some embodiments, the flow of matter comprises one or more of
liquids, solids and
gasses, and means for the liquids and/or solids to pass through the annular
cavity and out of the
collection port. In some embodiments, the baffle comprises a plurality of
openings, and means
for allowing matter to pass through the baffle and out the suction port after
traversing at least a
portion of the circumference of the cylindrical cavity wall. In some
embodiments, the baffle
comprises a solid portion disposed proximally to the input port, and means for
preventing liquids
and/or solids in the flow from being pulled directly from the input port to
the suction port before
traversing at least a portion of the circumference of the cylindrical cavity
wall.
[0040] In some embodiments, the central member comprises a tapered section
disposed in the
conical cavity, and means for directing the flow of matter within the
separator. In some
embodiments, the central member comprises a plurality of cylindrical sections
comprising
different diameters, and means for directing the flow of matter within the
separator.
[0041] In some embodiments, a plurality of cylindrical sections include a
first section that
defines a first portion of the annular cavity and a second section that
defines a second portion of
the annular cavity, and means for directing the flow of matter within the
separator. In some
embodiments, the first portion is disposed between the baffle and the second
portion, the second
portion is disposed between the first portion and the conical cavity, and
means for directing the
flow of matter within the separator. In some embodiments, the central member
further comprises
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a tapered section disposed in the conical cavity thereby forming a hollow cone
shaped cavity,
the hollow cone shaped cavity disposed between the second portion and the
second port, and
means for directing the flow of matter through the hollow cone shaped cavity.
In some
embodiments, the suction port of a first separator is coupled to the input
port of a second
separator, and means for providing suction to the first separator through the
second separator.
[0042] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a means for allowing
the flow of
matter to pass from the input port to the suction port of the first separator,
when the canister
corresponding to the first separator is filled to a capacity, to the second
separator and collecting
at least a portion of the flow of matter in the canister corresponding to the
second separator. In
some embodiments, the suction source comprises a vacuum pump, and means for
providing
vacuum to the suction port.
[0043] In some embodiments, the suction source comprises a means for
generating suction
based on a Coanda effect. In some embodiments, the suction source comprises a
means for
generating suction based on a Venturi effect.
[0044] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a separator for use
in a medical
environment. In some embodiments, the separator comprise: (a) a cylindrical
cavity having a
cylindrical cavity wall, a first cylindrical cavity end, and a second
cylindrical cavity end, the
separator configured to operate with the first cylindrical cavity end being
up; (b) an suction port
to be coupled to an operating room suction source, the suction port being in
the first cylindrical
cavity end; (c) a conical cavity, the conical cavity having a wide end and a
narrow end, the wide
end being mated to the second cylindrical cavity end; (d) an collection port
at the narrow end of
the conical cavity; (e) an input port to receive a flow comprising a mixture
of liquid and gas, the
input port being in the cylindrical cavity wall, the flow to be induced into
the separator by the
suction source, the input port configured to direct liquids in the flow to
cling to the cylindrical
cavity wall; (0 a baffle disposed between the input port and the suction port,
the baffle to
prevent liquids in the flow from being pulled directly from the input port to
the suction port
without traversing at least a first portion of a circumference of the
cylindrical cavity wall, the
baffle to allow gasses in the flow to separate from the liquids in the flow
and be pulled out of the
separator via the suction port; and (g) a cylindrical central member disposed
within the
cylindrical cavity, the central member disposed to form an annular cavity
between the central
member and the cylindrical cavity wall, the liquids in the flow to pass
through the annular cavity
before dropping out the collection port.
[0045] In some embodiments, the flow further comprises solids, the solids in
the flow to pass
through the annular cavity before dropping out the second port. In some
embodiments, the
liquids include intracellular fluids and extracellular fluids In some
embodiments, the liquids
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include blood. In some embodiments, the gas comprises smoke generated from
electrosurgical
tools comprising a bovie, harmonic scalpel, electrosurgical pencil and laser.
[0046] In some embodiments, the baffle comprises a plurality of openings to
allow the gasses
in the flow be pulled out of the separator via the first port. In some
embodiments, the baffle
comprises a solid portion that prevents liquids in the flow from being pulled
directly from the
collection port to the first port, the solid portion corresponding to at least
the first portion of the
circumference.
[0047] In some embodiments, the central member comprises a tapered section
disposed in the
conical cavity. In some embodiments, the central member comprises a plurality
of cylindrical
sections comprising different diameters.
[0048] In some embodiments, a plurality of cylindrical sections includes a
first section that
defines a first portion of the annular cavity and a second section that
defines a second portion of
the annular cavity. In some embodiments, the first portion is disposed between
the baffle and the
second portion, the second portion is disposed between the first portion and
the conical cavity.
In some embodiments, the central member further comprises a tapered section
disposed in the
conical cavity thereby forming a hollow cone shaped cavity, the hollow cone
shaped cavity
disposed between the second portion and the second port.
[0049] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of operating
a separator in
a medical environment. In some embodiments, the method comprises. (a)
providing one or more
fluid separators, wherein a fluid separator comprises: (i) a cylindrical
cavity comprising a
cylindrical cavity wall, a first cylindrical cavity end, and a second
cylindrical cavity end, the
fluid separator configured to operate with the first cylindrical cavity end
being up; (ii) an suction
port operatively coupled to a suction source, the suction port being in the
first cylindrical cavity
end; (iii) a conical cavity, the conical cavity comprising a wide end and a
narrow end, the wide
end mated to the second cylindrical cavity end; (iv) an collection port at the
narrow end of the
conical cavity; (v) an input port to receive a flow comprising a mixture of
liquid and gas, the
input port being in the cylindrical cavity wall, the flow to be induced into
the separator by the
suction source, the input port configured to direct liquids in the flow to
cling to the cylindrical
cavity wall; (vi) a baffle disposed between the input port and the suction
port, the baffle to
prevent liquids in the flow from being pulled directly from the input port to
the suction port
without traversing at least a first portion of a circumference of the
cylindrical cavity wall, the
baffle to allow gasses in the flow to separate from the liquids in the flow
and be pulled out of the
separator via the suction port; and (vii) a cylindrical central member
disposed within the
cylindrical cavity, the central member disposed to form an annular cavity
between the central
member and the cylindrical cavity wall, the liquids in the flow to pass
through the annular cavity
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before dropping out the collection port; (b) attaching the one or more
separators each to an
associated waste deposit; (c) attaching the suction port to a suction source;
(d) activating the
suction source, thereby creating flow through the one or more separators; (e)
directing the flow
using the cylindrical cavity and cylindrical central member to separate
element comprising the
flow; (0 ejecting liquids and/or solids from the collection port that have
been separated from the
flow; and (g) pulling the gas out of the suction port using the suction
source. In some
embodiments, the method further comprises providing a canister as the waste
deposit.
[0050] In some embodiments, attaching the suction port to a suction source
comprises
attaching the suction port of a first separator to the input port of a second
separator that is
attached to a suction source. In some embodiments, the method further
comprises attaching the
input port of a separator to a suction device. In some embodiments, the method
further
comprises attaching the suction device to a surgical instrument.
[0051] In some embodiments, the method further comprises operating the one or
more
separators in series by coupling the suction port of one separator to the
input port of another
separator, coupling the suction port of the last separator in the series of
separators to the suction
source and receiving the flow at the input of the first separator in the
series of separators. In
some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving matter into the input
port of a first
separator in a series of separators via the suction source applied to the
suction port of a last
separator in the series of separators, pulling gas out of the suction port of
another separator in
the series of separators while an associated canister is filled below a pre-
determined capacity
expelling portions of the flow out of the collection port of another separator
in the series of
separators until an associated canister is filled to a pre-determined limit.
In some embodiments,
the method further comprises passing the flow, unseparated, from the input
port out of the
suction port of the first separator in the series of separators when the flow
is no longer ejecting
from the collection port of the first separator to the input port of another
separator ejecting the
flow, or portions thereof, out of the collection port.
[0052] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system for
separating a flow of
matter. In some embodiments, the system comprises: (a) a flow separation
device comprising: (i)
a hollow body comprising a first end, a second end, and an inner volume
therebetween; (ii) a
suction port disposed at the first end; (iii) a collection port disposed at
the second end; (iv) an
input port disposed between the first end and the second end and in fluid
communication with
the inner volume; (v) one or more baffles disposed within the inner volume
between the first end
and the second end; and (vi) a shaft disposed within the inner volume, (b) a
surgical instrument;
and (c) a suction source; wherein the input port is configured to receive the
flow of matter from
the surgical instrument, the flow of matter comprising a gas, a liquid, a
solid, or any
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combination thereof, wherein the shaft is configured to direct the flow of
matter received into
the hollow body, and wherein at least a portion of a liquid of the flow of
matter exits the hollow
body from a port different than a port from which at least a portion of a gas
of the flow of matter
exits.
[0053] In some embodiments, the shaft directs at least a portion of the flow
of matter in a
cyclonic pattern along an inner surface of the hollow body. In some
embodiments, the gas exits
the suction port and the liquid exits the collection port.
[0054] In some embodiments, the one or more baffles are configured to prevent
the flow of
matter from passing directly from the input port to the suction port without
first traversing at
least a portion of a circumference of an inner surface of the hollow body. In
some embodiments,
the one or more baffles comprise a plurality of openings configured to receive
at least a portion
of the flow of matter. In some embodiments, the plurality of openings is
distal to the input port.
In some embodiments, the one or more baffles comprise a tapered section or
comprise a
plurality of cylindrical sections comprising different diameters.
[0055] In some embodiments, the second end comprises a conical shape. In some
embodiments, the hollow body comprises a cylindrical shape. In some
embodiments, the flow of
matter comprises surgical waste. In some embodiments, the flow of matter
comprises biological
material.
[0056] In some embodiments, the input port is proximal to the suction port and
distal from the
collection port. In some embodiments, the suction port is configured to couple
to the suction
source. In some embodiments, the suction source is a passive suction source.
[0057] In some embodiments, the collection port is configured to couple to a
collection
container. In some embodiments, the flow separation device is attachable or
formed therein a
collection container. In some embodiments, the one or more baffles aids in the
separation of gas,
of liquid, or a combination thereof from the flow of matter.
[0058] In some embodiments, the input port forms an angle relative to a
central axis of the
hollow body that is less than 90 degrees forming an angled input port. In some
embodiments, the
angled input port enhances entry of the flow of matter into the angled input
port, enhances a
cyclonic pattern of flow along an inner surface of the hollow body, or a
combination thereof.
[0059] In some embodiments, the flow separation device enhances a suction
capacity of the
surgical instrument operatively coupled to the input port. In some
embodiments, the suction
capacity is increased at least about 1.25 fold compared to a surgical
instrument not operatively
coupled to a flow separation device. In some embodiments, the flow separation
device is
disposable.
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[0060] In some embodiments, the system further comprises one or more filters.
In some
embodiments, the one or more filters are disposed adjacent to the collection
port. In some
embodiments, a pore size of the one or more filters is less than about 1
micron. In some
embodiments, the one or more filters collect one or more solids In some
embodiments, the one
or more solids are a bacterium, a bacterial fragment, a bacterial particle, a
virus, a viral
fragment, a viral particle, or any combination thereof.
[0061] In some embodiments, the system further comprises one or more
positively charged
matrices, one or more negatively charged matrices, or any combination thereof
In some
embodiments, the one or more positively charged matrices, the one or more
negatively charged
matrices, or any combination thereof are operatively connected to the suction
port. In some
embodiments, the flow separation device is operatively coupled to one or more
surgical
instruments, one or more suctioning devices, one or more suction sources, one
or more canisters,
one or more filtration units, one or more charged matrices, or any combination
thereof.
[0062] Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become
readily
apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description,
wherein only
illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As
will be realized,
the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its
several details are
capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing
from the disclosure.
Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative
in nature, and not as
restrictive.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0063] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this
specification are
herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual
publication, patent, or
patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be
incorporated by reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0064] The novel features of the subject matter described herein are set
forth with
particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features
and advantages of
the present subject matter will be obtained by reference to the following
detailed description that
sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the subject
matter described herein
are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:
[0065] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a separator.
[0066] FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating a separator and canister
system.
[0067] FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating the operation of a separator and
canister system.
[0068] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a method of operating a separator and
canister system.
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[0069] FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating a separator system
[0070] FIG. 4B is a block diagram illustrating the operation of a separator
system
[0071] FIG. 4C is a block diagram illustrating the operation of a separator
system.
[0072] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a method of operating a separator
system.
[0073] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a suction system
[0074] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method of operating a suction system
[0075] FIG. 8A is an exploded-view diagram illustrating a separator.
[0076] FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating a shaft (such as a vortex element).
[0077] FIG. 8C is a top-view diagram illustrating the operation of a
separator.
[0078] FIG. 8D is a cross-section diagram illustrating the operation of a
separator.
[0079] FIG. 9A is an exploded-view diagram illustrating a separator.
[0080] FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating a shaft (such as a vortex element).
[0081] FIG. 9C is a top-view diagram illustrating the operation of a
separator.
[0082] FIG. 9D is a cross-section diagram illustrating the operation of a
separator.
[0083] FIG. 10A is an exploded-view diagram illustrating a separator.
[0084] FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a shaft (such as a vortex element).
[0085] FIG. 10C is a top-view diagram illustrating the operation of a
separator.
[0086] FIG. 10D is a cross-section diagram illustrating the operation of a
separator.
[0087] FIG. 11A is an exploded-view diagram illustrating a separator.
[0088] FIG. 11B is atop-view diagram illustrating the operation of a
separator.
[0089] FIG. 11C is a cross-section diagram illustrating the operation of a
separator.
[0090] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a separator system.
[0091] FIG. 13A is a block diagram illustrating a separator with filter.
[0092] FIG. 13B is a block diagram illustrating a separator with filter.
[0093] FIG. 13C is a block diagram illustrating a separator with filter.
[0094] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a separator canister system.
[0095] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a separator.
[0096] FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a separator.
[0097] FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a separator system.
[0098] FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a separator with check valve
[0099] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the system in a surgical use setting
[00100] FIG. 20A is a diagram illustrating a flow separation device attachable
or formed
therein a canister lid.
[00101] FIG. 20B is a diagram illustrating a flow separation device attachable
or formed
therein a canister lid
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[00102] FIG. 21A-B are diagrams illustrating a flow separation device with an
angled input
port.
[00103] FIG. 21C is a cross-section of a flow separation device with an angled
input port.
[00104] FIG. 21D is a top view of a flow separation device showing the
relation between the
input port and the baffle within the hollow body.
[00105] FIG. 22A is a cross-section of the flow separation device.
[00106] FIG. 22B is a top view of a flow separation device showing the
relation between the
input port and the baffle within the hollow body.
[00107] FIG. 23A-C are diagrams illustrating a helical baffle.
[00108] FIG. 23C is a diagram illustrating a flow path into the input port of
the flow separation
device.
[00109] FIG. 23D is a cross-section of the flow separation device illustrating
the helical baffle.
[00110] FIG. 24A is a diagram illustrating the shaft with a bulbous end.
[00111] FIG. 24B-C are diagrams illustrating the openings on a baffle of the
device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00112] While various embodiments have been shown and described herein, it
will be obvious
to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of
example only.
Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur to those skilled in
the art without
departing from the subject matter described herein. It should be understood
that various
alternatives to the embodiments of the subject matter described herein is
employed.
[00113] FIG.! is a block diagram illustrating separator 100. In operation,
separator 100 is
configured to separate liquids, solids and gasses in a flow of matter.
Separator 100 ejects liquids
and/or solids separated from the flow of matter out collection port 108 while
suctioning at least
gasses separated from the flow of matter out suction port 106. Separator 100
is operated by
suction received from a suction source. It should be understood that the terms
"suction" and
"vacuum" as used herein refer to a pressure below the surrounding ambient air
pressure.
[00114] In some embodiments, separator 100 comprises hollow body 102, input
port 104,
suction port 106, collection port 108, baffle 110, and shaft 112.
[00115] In some embodiments, hollow body 102 comprises a cylindrical wall
defining a
cylindrical cavity. Other hollow body 102 shapes are suitable for use with the
separator 100
including conical shapes and ovoid cylindrical shapes. The hollow body 102
wall may include a
first cavity end and a second cavity end. The cavity of hollow body 102 may
have a wide end
and a narrow end. Hollow body 102 is constructed of a single solid wall that
is formed into the
hollow body 102 shape, or alternatively, a first wide end of hollow body 102
is mated to a
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second narrow end of hollow body 102 to form a single hollow body 102 having a
narrow
section and wide section. In some embodiments, hollow body 102 is configured
to operate in an
orientation with the first cavity end up. Hollow body 102 is configured to be
oriented in
operation to allow gravity to pull at least liquid and solids separated from a
flow of matter out
collection port 108, while gasses separated from the flow of matter are pulled
by suction out of
suction port 106.
[00116] Input port 104 is configured to receive a flow of matter. In some
embodiments, input
port 104 is integral to hollow body 102. Input port 104 is disposed in the
cylindrical cavity wall.
Input port 104 is located off-axis from an axis defined by the longitudinal
center of the
cylindrical cavity.
[00117] Input port 104 is configured and positioned to direct a flow of matter
received into the
hollow body 102 along the internal cavity wall of the hollow body 102.
Because, in some
embodiments, the hollow body 102 comprises a cylindrical, spherical, or ovoid
cylindrical
shape, the flow generated within the cavity of the hollow body 102 comprises
and essentially
cyclonic flow pattern.
[00118] By directing the flow of matter along the internal cavity wall of the
hollow body 102,
forming a cyclonic flow pattern, liquids, solids, and gasses will tend to
cling to the wall of the
internal cavity wall of hollow body 102 due to the effects of centripetal
forces.
[00119] A flow of matter is induced into separator 100 by suction received
from suction port
106 by a suction or vacuum source. In some embodiments, suction port 106
further comprises a
check valve mechanism (not shown in FIG. 1) to, for example, prevent the flow
of solids or
liquids through suction port 106.
[00120] Suction port 106 is configured to couple to a suction source. In
certain embodiments,
the suction source may include, for example, a vacuum pump, aspirator, and/or
a positive
pressure operated suction source¨such as suction sources that take advantage
of Venturi or
Coanda effect. Suction from a suction source is transferred from suction port
106 to input port
104. Suction port 106 is disposed near the first cavity end of the hollow body
102. Suction port
106 provides suction received from a suction source for operating separator
100 and may further
comprise a check valve. In some embodiments, suction port 106 includes
fittings configured to
attach tubing. For example, barbed or quick-disconnect type fittings are used
to couple tubing to
suction port 106. The tubing is, for example, used to couple suction port 106
to a suction source
or to an input port 104 of another separator.
[00121] Collection port 108 is configured to expel at least liquids and/or
solids. Collection
port 108 is disposed at the narrow end of the conical cavity of hollow body
102. In some
embodiments, collection port 108 is configured to couple to a canister. A
canister is used to
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collect and measure matter received from separator 100. A canister may also be
used for the safe
collection, transportation and disposal of waste received from separator 100.
In some
embodiments, collection port 108 is coupled to tubing or piping to direct
matter to a waste drain.
In some embodiments, collection port 108 may include a mounting ring
configured to form a
seal between collection port 108 to tubing or a canister.
[00122] Baffle 110 is disposed between input port 104 and suction port 106.
Baffle 110 is
configured to facilitate a cyclonic flow of matter within the hollow cavity
100 by preventing
liquids and/or solids in the flow from being pulled directly from input port
104 to suction port
106 without traversing at least a first portion of a circumference of the
cylindrical wall of hollow
body 102. In some embodiments, baffle 110 includes openings configured to
allow at least
gasses in a flow of matter to separate from liquids and/or solids that are
included in the flow.
One or more gasses are pulled through baffle 110 and out suction port 106. In
some
embodiments, baffle 110 includes a solid surface located proximal to input
port 104. The solid
surface included in baffle 110 is used to prevent liquids and/or solids in the
flow from being
pulled directly from input port 104 to suction port 106 by allowing time for
gravity to act on the
liquids and/or solids before they reach an opening in baffle 110. In some
embodiments, a baffle
110 comprises both a solid surface portion and a portion with an opening. In
these embodiments,
the solid surface portion of the baffle 110 is positioned relative to the
input port 104 in such a
way that gravity acts on a liquid and/or solid within the cyclonic flow before
a suction force
through suction port 106 draws the liquid and/or solid out of the opening
portion of the baffle
110. The solid surface portion of the baffle 110 is thus configured to prevent
suction of liquid
and/or solid matter out of suction port 106 while allowing time for gravity to
act on the liquids
and/or solids as they traverse the solid surface of baffle 110. The effect of
gravity within the
cavity of the hollow body 102 on liquids and/or solids causes them to
generally descend (within
the input flow) towards collection port 108 and thereby not be suctioned out
of the suction port
106.
[00123] Shaft 112 is configured to direct a flow of matter in a cyclonic flow.
The cyclonic
flow along with gravity cause liquids and solids to separate from gasses
included in the flow of
matter. In some embodiments, shaft 112 includes a member disposed within the
cylindrical
cavity of hollow body 102. The member of shaft 112 is positioned within the
cavity of hollow
body 102 so that the cavity of hollow body 102 surrounding the central member
of shaft 112
comprises an annular cavity shape between shaft 112 and hollow body 102 cavity
wall.
[00124] Shaft 112 is configured to direct liquids and/or solids that are in
the flow so that they
pass through the annular cavity between the shaft 112 and hollow body 102
cavity wall before
dropping out collection port 108. In some embodiments, shaft 112 includes a
tapered section or
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conical end disposed in the cavity of hollow body 102. In some embodiments,
shaft 112 includes
a plurality of sections having different diameters. The plurality of sections,
for example, include
a first cylindrical section that defines a first portion of the annular
section of the cavity the
hollow body 102 and a second section that defines a second portion of the
annular cavity.
Tapered and cylindrical sections of shaft 112 are configured to direct the
flow within hollow
body 102 in a cyclonic flow pattern. In some embodiment, baffle 110 is
integral to shaft 112.
[00125] FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating separator and canister system
200. Separator
202 is an example of separator 100; however, separator 202 may include
alternative
configurations and methods of operation. Separator and canister system 200 may
include
separator 202 and canister 214.
[00126] In some embodiments, separator 202 comprises input port 204, suction
port 206,
collection port 208, baffle 210 and shaft 212.
[00127] In some embodiments, separator 202 comprises a generally cylindrical
cavity and a
cavity wall. Non-limiting examples of other suitable cavity shapes for
separator 202 include
spherical and ovoid cylindrical shapes.
[00128] Separator 202 is configured to generate a vortex flow within the
cavity of separator
202. The cavity of separator 202 includes a first end and a second cavity end.
In some
embodiments, the cavity is configured to have a wide end and a narrow end. The
wide end is
coupled to the second end of the generally cylindrical cavity. In some
embodiments, the separator 202 is
configured to operate with the first end positioned upwards.
[00129] Input port 204 is configured to direct a flow of matter into separator
202. Input port
204 also directs the flow of matter towards shaft 212. The flow of matter may
include liquids,
solids and gasses, including combinations thereof in varying ratios. Some
constituents of the
flow of matter may include surgical byproducts. A flow of matter is induced
into input port 204
by suction received from a suction source. In some embodiments, input port 204
is integral to
separator 202. Input port 204 is disposed in the cavity wall near the first
end of the generally
cylindrical cavity of separator 202. Input port 204 is disposed off-axis from
an axis defined by
the longitudinal center of the generally cylindrical cavity of the body. In an
embodiment, input
port 204 may include fittings such as, barbed or quick-disconnect type
fittings, for coupling
input port 204 to a suction tip or surgical device. In some embodiments, input
port 204 is
configured and positioned to generate a vortex of flow within the cavity of
the separator 202.
[00130] Suction port 206 is configured to couple to a suction source. In
certain embodiments,
the suction source may include a vacuum pump, aspirator, and/or a positive
pressure operated
suction source¨such as suction sources that take advantage of Venturi or
Coanda effect.
Suction from a suction source is transferred from suction port 206 to input
port 204. Suction port
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206 is disposed near the first cylindrical cavity end. Suction port 206
provides suction received
from a suction source for operating separator and canister system 200. In some
embodiments,
suction port 206 may include fittings configured to attach tubing. For
example, barbed or quick-
disconnect type fittings are used to couple tubing to suction port 206. The
tubing is used to
couple suction port 206 to a suction source or to an input port 204 of another
separator.
[00131]
Collection port 208 is configured to expel at least liquids and/or solids
separated
from a flow of matter received at input port 204. Collection port 208 is
disposed at the narrow
end of the conical cavity of the hollow body of separator 202. Collection port
208 is configured
to couple separator 202 to canister 214. In some embodiments, collection port
208 includes a
mounting ring configured to form a seal when separator 202 is coupled to
canister 214, tubing,
piping or some other element configured to dispose of at least liquids and/or
solids. In some
embodiments, collection port 208 may include fittings, such as barbed or quick
disconnect type
fittings for, for coupling collection port 208 to canister 214 or tubing.
[00132] Baffle 210 is configured to allow gasses to be pulled out suction port
206 from liquids
and/or solids in a flow of matter received at input port 204. Baffle 210 is
configured to prevent
liquids or solids in a flow of matter received at input port 204 from being
pulled directly from
input port 204 to suction port 206 without traversing at least a first portion
of a circumference of
separator 202. Baffle 210 is disposed between input port 204 and suction port
206. In an
embodiment, baffle 210 includes a plurality of openings to allow at least the
gasses in a flow of
matter to be pulled out suction port 206. In an embodiment, baffle 210
includes a solid surface
located proximal to input port 204. The solid surface is configured to prevent
liquids and/or
solids in a flow of matter from being pulled directly from input port 204 to
suction port 206
without first traversing at least a portion of separator 202 as described with
reference to FIG. 1.
[00133] Shaft 212 is configured to form an annular cavity between shaft 212
and separator
202 within the cavity of separator 202. In some embodiments, shaft 212
includes a cylindrical
central member disposed within the generally cylindrical cavity of separator
202. Shaft 212 is
configured to generate a vortex flow within separator 202. The vortex flow and
gravity cause
liquids and/or solids in a flow of matter received at input port 204 to
separate from gasses.
Liquids and gases within the matter flow are expelled out suction port 206. In
an embodiment,
shaft 212 may include a tapered section disposed near the conical cavity of
separator 202. In
some embodiments, shaft 212 may include a plurality of cylindrical sections
having different
diameters. In some embodiments, the plurality of cylindrical sections may
include a first section
that defines a first portion of the annular cavity and a second section that
defines a second
portion of the annular cavity. In some embodiments, baffle 210 is integral to
shaft 212.
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[00134] Canister 214 is configured to receive waste from separator 202. The
waste may
include at least liquids and/or solids separated from a flow of matter
received at input port 204.
Canister 214 is used to measure the amount of liquids and/or solids separated
from the flow of
matter received at input port 204. Canister 214 is configured to permit the
safe collection,
transportation and disposal of waste. In some embodiments, canister 214 may
include a valve
configured to activate when canister 214 is filled to a pre-determined volume
The valve is used
to prevent waste from leaving canister 214 during transportation. In some
embodiments, canister
214 may include a commercially available canister.
[00135] FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating the operation of separator and
canister system 200.
In addition to the elements illustrated in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B includes input
flow 240, suction
flow 242 and collection flow 244.
[00136] In operation, a suction source is coupled to suction port 206 to
generate suction flow
242. The suction source may include a vacuum pump, aspirator or a Coanda based
suction
generator. Suction flow 242 generates a flow within separator 202. Suction
flow 242 induces
input flow 240 to enter input port 204. Input flow 240 may include liquids,
solids, and gasses,
including combinations thereof in varying ratios. Some constituents of input
flow 240 may
include surgical byproducts. Suction flow 242 may generate a cyclonic or
vortex flow within
separator 202 in order to separate liquids, solids and gasses from input flow
240.
[00137] Shaft 212 in conjunction with separator 202 is configured to generate
a cyclonic or
vortex flow from input flow 240 using suction flow 242. Baffle 210 may prevent
input flow 240
from passing directly from input port 204 to suction port 206 without first
traversing at least a
portion of separator 202. The cyclonic flow, along with gravity, separates
collection flow 244
and suction flow 242 from input flow 240. One or more gasses are separated
from input flow
240 is pulled out suction port 206 as suction flow 242.
[00138] Suction flow 242 is directed out of separator 202 by suction port 206.
Suction port
206 is configured to exhaust at least suction flow 242 from separator 202. In
some methods of
operation, suction port 206 expels input flow 240, unseparated, out of suction
port 206.
[00139] Collection flow 244 is directed out of collection port 208. Collection
port 208 is
configured to expel at least collection flow 244 from separator 202.
Collection port 208 is
configured to direct collection flow 244 to canister 214.
[00140] In some embodiments, canister 214 is connected to a suction source
(not shown). The
suction transferred to canister 214 from the suction source provides an
additional pull on the
fluid and solid matter in separator 202 (i.e. in addition to gravity) to
facilitate separation of
liquid and solid matter (drawn into canister 214) from gas (drawn out through
suction port 206).
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[00141] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a method of operating a separator and
canister system.
The steps illustrated in FIG. 3 is performed by, for example, one or more
elements of separator
and canister system 200.
[00142] In a step 302, a suction source is applied to a suction port. In some
embodiments, said
suction port is part of a separator system as described herein. In some
embodiments, a user
connects a suction port to a suction source that comprises an air amplifier
based on a Coanda or
Venturi effect. In some embodiments, the suction is applied to a suction port
of a device
configured to separate suctioned matter that was suctioned from a surgical
field during a surgical
procedure. As applied but not limited to canister system 200, a separator 202
includes suction
port 206. Suction port 206 is configured to couple to a suction source capable
of providing
suction flow 242. A suction source is configured to apply suction flow 242.
[00143] In a step 304 a cyclonic or vortex flow is generated by a separator
such, as for
example, separator 100 or separator 200. A cyclonic or vortex flow is
generated from a suction
flow applied to a suction port of a separator. In some embodiments, a cyclonic
or vortex suction
flow is generated when air within the separator is suctioned through the
suction port as a result
of an application of a suction flow. A shaft within the separator cavity is
configured to create a
cyclonic flow within the separator, and air within the separator cavity that
is suctioned out with
the initial application of suction to the separator is drawn around the shaft
to form a cyclonic or
vortex flow. In some embodiments, the shaft further comprises a conical head
that further
promotes cyclonic flow. In some embodiments, the cyclonic or vortex flow of
suction causes
matter comprising a solid, a liquid, a gas, or a combination thereof to be
drawn into the separator
in a cyclonic or vortex input flow. In some embodiments, the position of the
input port further
aids in generating a cyclonic or vortex flow of an input flow. In some
embodiments, the inlet
port is positioned towards the upper portion of the separator. In some
embodiments, the inlet
port is positioned at an angle such that it directs an inflow essentially
directly against an interior
wall surface of the separator cavity. As applied but not limited to system
200, separator 202 is
configured to generate, from suction flow 242, a cyclonic flow of matter that
is received via
input port 204.
[00144] In a step 306, an input flow is received via an input port. Suction
flow generates
suction at an input port. Suction flow is at a pressure below an ambient air
pressure. Therefore, a
suction flow causes input flow which is at around ambient pressure to be
received at an input
port of the separator device. In some embodiments, the input flow comprises a
solid, liquid, a
gas, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the input flow travels in
a cyclone or
vortex flow pattern within the separator. As applied but not limited to system
200, input port 204
is configured to receive input flow 240. Suction flow 242 generates suction at
input port 204.
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Suction flow 242 is at a pressure below an ambient air pressure. Therefore,
suction flow 242
causes input flow 240 to be received at input port 204.
[00145] In a step 308, the components of an input flow comprising a mixture of
a solid and/or
a liquid with a gas are separated. For example, a separator is configured to
separate a solid
and/or liquid from a gas of an input flow by directing the heavier
constituents (i.e., liquids
and/or solids) of the input flow into a cyclonic flow pattern that gravity
acts upon to cause these
heavier constituents to exit via collection port, while the lighter
constituents (i.e. gasses, smoke,
aerosols) in the input flow is pulled out of separator by the suction at the
suction port. Thus, a
collection flow that is released from the separator via a collection port
includes at least liquids
and/or solids. As applied but not limited to system 200, separator 202 is
configured to separate
collection flow 244 from input flow 240 by directing the heavier constituents
(i.e., liquids and
solids) of input flow 240 into a cyclonic flow pattern that gravity acts upon
to cause these
heavier constituents to exit via collection port 208, while the lighter
constituents (i.e. gasses,
smoke, aerosols) in input flow 240 are pulled out of separator 202 by the
suction at suction port
206. Thus, collection flow 244 includes at least liquids and/or solids.
[00146] In a step 310, the separated solid and/or liquid from the input flow
are directed into a
collection port. For example, a collection port is configured to receive the
heavier constituents
and direct them to a canister. Liquids and/or solids are collected in a
canister. For example, a
canister is configured to receive a collection flow (which may include liquids
and/or solids)
from collection port. As applied but not limited to system 200, collection
port 208 is configured
to receive the heavier constituents and direct them to collection canister
214.
[00147] In a step 312, the separated solid and/or liquid is collected in a
collection canister. As
applied but not limited to system 200, collection canister 214 is configured
to receive collection
flow 244 (which may include liquids and solids) from collection port 208.
[00148] In a step 314, gasses are suctioned through a suction port. For
example, a suction flow
may include gasses drawn out of an input flow. Suction port is configured to
allow suction flow
to be suctioned through suction port. In some embodiments, a separator further
comprises a
baffle that prevents liquids and/or solids within an input flow to be
suctioned from the suction
port by the suction flow. As applied but not limited to system 200, suction
flow 242 may include
gasses. Suction port 206 is configured to allow suction flow 242 to be
suctioned through suction
port 206.
[00149] FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating separator system 400. In this
embodiment,
one or more separator systems are aligned in series. As shown, separator 402
and separator 422
are examples of separator 202; however separator 402 and separator 422 may
include alternative
configurations and methods of operation.
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[00150] In some embodiments, separator system 400 may, for example, include
separator 402,
canister 414, separator 422, canister 434 and suction source 416.
[00151] Separator 402 is configured to generate a vortex flow within the
cavity of separator
402. The cavity of separator 402 includes a first end and a second cavity end.
In some
embodiments, the cavity is configured to have a wide end and a narrow end. The
wide end is
coupled to the second end of the generally cavity. In some embodiments, the
separator 402 is
configured to operate with the first end positioned upwards.
[00152] Input port 404 is configured to direct a flow of matter into separator
402. Input port
404 directs the flow of matter towards shaft 412. The flow of matter may
include liquids, solids
and gasses, including combinations thereof in varying ratios. Some
constituents of the flow of
matter may include surgical byproducts. A flow of matter is induced into input
port 404 by
suction received from a suction source. In some embodiments, input port 404 is
integral to
separator 402. Input port 404 is disposed in the cavity wall near the first
end of the generally
cylindrical cavity of separator 402. Input port 404 is disposed off-axis from
an axis defined by
the longitudinal center of the generally cylindrical cavity of the body. In an
embodiment, input
port 404 may include fittings such as, barbed or quick-disconnect type
fittings, for coupling
input port 404 to a suction tip or surgical device. In some embodiments, input
port 404 is
configured and positioned to generate a vortex of flow within the cavity of
the separator 402.
[00153] Suction port 406 is configured to couple to a suction source. In
certain embodiments,
the suction source may include a vacuum pump, aspirator, and/or a positive
pressure operated
suction source¨such as suction sources that take advantage of Venturi or
Coanda effect.
Suction from a suction source is transferred from suction port 406 to input
port 204. Suction port
406 is disposed near the first cylindrical cavity end. Suction port 406 may
provide suction
received from a suction source for operating separator and canister system
400. In some
embodiments, suction port 406 may include fittings configured to attach
tubing. For example,
barbed or quick-disconnect type fittings are used to couple tubing to suction
port 406. The
tubing is used to couple suction port 406 to a suction source or to an input
port 404 of another
separator.
[00154] Collection port 408 is configured to expel at least liquids and/or
solids separated from
a flow of matter received at input port 404. Collection port 408 is disposed
at the narrow end of
the conical cavity of the hollow body of separator 402. Collection port 408 is
configured to
couple separator 402 to canister 414. In some embodiments, collection port 408
includes a
mounting ring configured to form a seal when separator 402 is coupled to
canister 414, tubing,
piping or some other element configured to dispose of at least liquids and/or
solids. In some
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embodiments, collection port 408 may include fittings, such as barbed or quick
disconnect type
fittings for, for coupling collection port 408 to canister 414 or tubing.
[00155] Baffle 410 is configured to allow gasses to be pulled out suction port
406 from liquids
and/or solids in a flow of matter received at input port 404. Baffle 410 is
configured to prevent
liquids or solids in a flow of matter received at input port 404 from being
pulled directly from
input port 404 to suction port 406 without traversing at least a first portion
of a circumference of
separator 402. Baffle 410 is disposed between input port 404 and suction port
406. In some
embodiments, baffle 410 includes a plurality of openings to allow at least the
gasses in a flow of
matter to be pulled out suction port 406. In some embodiments, baffle 410
includes a solid
surface located proximal to input port 404. The solid surface is configured to
prevent liquids
and/or solids in a flow of matter from being pulled directly from input port
404 to suction port
406 without first traversing at least a portion of separator 402 as described
with reference to
FIG. 1.
[00156] Shaft 412 is configured to form an annular cavity between shaft 412
and separator
402 within the cavity of separator 402. In some embodiments, shaft 412
includes a cylindrical
central member disposed within the generally cylindrical cavity of separator
402. Shaft 412 is
configured to generate a vortex flow within separator 402. The vortex flow and
gravity cause
liquids and/or solids in a flow of matter received at input port 404 to
separate from gasses.
Liquids and gases within the matter flow are expelled out suction port 406. In
an embodiment,
shaft 412 includes a tapered section disposed near the conical cavity of
separator 402. In some
embodiments, shaft 412 includes a plurality of cylindrical sections having
different diameters In
some embodiments, the plurality of cylindrical sections includes a first
section that defines a
first portion of the annular cavity and a second section that defines a second
portion of the
annular cavity. In some embodiments, baffle 410 is integral to shaft 412.
[00157] Canister 414 is configured to receive waste from separator 402. The
waste may
include at least liquids and/or solids separated from a flow of matter
received at input port 404.
Canister 414 is used to measure the amount of liquids and/or solids separated
from the flow of
matter received at input port 404. Canister 414 is configured to permit the
safe collection,
transportation and disposal of waste. In some embodiments, canister 414 may
include a valve
configured to activate when canister 414 is filled to a pre-determined volume.
The valve is used
to prevent waste from leaving canister 414 during transportation. In some
embodiments, canister
414 may include a commercially available canister.
[00158] Separator 422 may include similar configurations and methods of
operation as
separator 402. For the sake of brevity, separator 422 will not be described
further. Likewise
collection canister 434 may include similar configurations and methods of
operation as
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collection canister 414. For the sake of brevity, collection canister 434 will
not be described
further.
[00159] Separator system 400 includes suction source 416. Suction source 416
may be any
device configured to generate a pressure below an ambient air pressure.
Suction source 416 may
include a vacuum pump, aspirator or Coanda based positive pressure operated
suction source.
[00160] FIG. 4B is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary operation of
separator system
400 in a first mode. Separators 402, 422 are configured to direct input flow
440 directly from
input port 404 out suction port 406 when canister 414 reaches a predeteimined
fill volume. As
illustrated in FIG. 4B, canister 414 may not have reached a predetermined fill
volume. Fill
volume 436 is less than the predetermined fill volume.
[00161] In operation, suction source 416 supplies suction flow 442 to suction
port 426.
Separator 422 is configured to transfer suction flow 442 to separator 402.
Suction flow 442
creates a pressure near input port 404 that is below an ambient air pressure.
The ambient air
pressure overcomes the pressure of suction flow 442 thereby inducing input
flow 440 into input
port 404. Input port 404 is configured to receive input flow 440. Input flow
440 comprises
liquids, gasses and solids, including combinations thereof in varying ratios.
Input flow 440 may
include surgical byproducts. Shaft 412, in combination with an interior cavity
of separator 402,
creates a cyclonic flow within separator 402 from suction flow 442. The
cyclonic flow and
gravity causes collection flow 444 to separate from input flow 440. Collection
flow 444
comprises at least liquids and/or solids. Collection flow 444 is expelled from
collection port 408.
Collection port 408 is configured to direct collection flow 444 to canister
444.
[00162] Fill volume 436 represents a volume of collection flow 444 contained
in canister 414.
As illustrated in FIG. 4B, fill volume 436 may not have reached a
predetermined fill volume. In
this case, separator 402 operates in a first mode of operation. Separator 402
separates suction
flow 442 from collection flow 444. In the first mode of operation, suction
flow 442 comprises
primarily gasses separated from input flow 440.
[00163] Suction flow 442 is pulled from separator 402 by suction source 416.
Suction flow
442 is passed from suction port 406 to input port 424. Suction flow 442 may
comprise primarily
liquids and gasses. Separator 402 continues to operate in the first mode of
operation until fill
volume 436 reaches a predetermined volume.
[00164] In some embodiments, separator system 400 comprises a connection
between
canisters 414 and 434 (not shown). The connection between canisters is
configured to transfer a
suction force between canister 434 to canister 414 and may comprise any of the
means of
transmitting suction described herein including, for example, suction tubing.
In this
embodiment, suction generated by suction source 416 is transmitted to canister
434 of separator
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442 and then through the connection between the canisters the suction is
transmitted to canister
414. The suction transferred to canister 414 provides an additional pull on
the fluid and solid
matter in separator 402 (i.e. in addition to gravity) to facilitate separation
of liquid and solid
matter (drawn into canister 414) from gas (drawn out through suction port
406).
[00165] FIG. 4C is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary operation of
separator system
400 in a second mode. Separators 402, 422 are configured to pass input flow
440 from input
ports 404, 424 to suction ports 406, 426 unseparated when canisters 414, 434
reach
predetermined fill volumes. As illustrated in FIG. 4C, fill volume 436 has
reached a
predetermined fill volume for canister 414. In a second mode of operation,
separator 402 passes
input flow 440 through suction port 406 to separator 422 unseparated.
[00166] In operation, suction source 416 is configured to supply a suction
flow 442 to suction
port 426. Separator 422 is configured to pass suction flow 442 to separator
402. Suction flow
442 pulls input flow 440 into input port 404. Separator 402 passes input flow
440 from input
port 404 to suction port 406 because fill volume 436 has reached a
predetermined fill volume for
canister 414. Input flow 440 is received by input port 424.
[00167] Fill volume 438, as shown, has not reached a predetermined fill volume
for canister
434. Separator 422 therefore separates collection flow 444 from suction flow
442. Collection
flow 444 may comprise liquids and/or solids from input flow 440. Separator 422
separates
suction flow 442 from collection flow 444. Collection flow 444 is expelled out
collection port
428. Collection port 428 is coupled to canister 434 Canister 434 is configured
to receive
collection flow 444 from collection port 428. Suction flow 442 is pulled out
suction port 426 by
suction source 416.
[00168] The systems, devices, and methods described herein are configured to
separate a gas
from a liquid at a controlled rate. The controlled rate of suction applied by
a system increases
when one or more flow separation devices are connected as described herein. As
described
herein, two or more separators in a system are connected "in series" so that
suction from a
suction source is transmitted from a first separator to a second separator
connected to the first
separator as described herein. In alternative embodiments, one or more
separators are in a
system connected "in parallel" such that two or more interconnected separators
(connected to
each other as described) are both connected to one or more suction sources.
[00169] In some embodiments, a suction transmitted through one or more
separators
connected in a system is greater than a suction transmitted through a single
separator. For
example, if a surgical suction instrument is connected to the separator
system, an increased
suction force is transmitted at the surgical suction instrument when it is
connected to any the
systems of FIG. 4A-4C than when the surgical suction instrument is connected
to any of the
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systems of FIG. 2A-2C (i.e. greater suction experienced at the surgical
suction instrument when
connected to two or more separators in a system as opposed to a connection to
only one
separator).
[00170] When one or more flow separation devices are connected as described
herein, a flow
rate may be generated of at least about 1 cubic centimeter per second (cc/s),
2 cc/s, 3 cc/s, 4 cc/s,
cc/s, 6 cc/s, 7 cc/s, 8 cc/s, 9 cc/s, 10 cc/s, 11 cc/s, 12 cc/s, 13 cc/s, 14
cc/s, 15 cc/s, 16 cc/s, 17
cc/s, 18 cc/s, 19 cc/s, 20 cc/s, 25 cc/s, 30 cc/s, 35 cc/s, 40 cc/s, 45 cc/s,
50 cc/s, 55 cc/s, 60 cc/s,
65 cc/s, 70 cc/s, 75 cc/s, 80 cc/s, 85 cc/s, 90 cc/s, 95 cc/s, 100 cc/s or
more. The system may
separate gas from liquid at a rate of at least about 5 cc/s. The system may
separate gas from
liquid at a rate of at least about 10 cc/s. The system may separate gas from
liquid at a rate of at
least about 20 cc/s. The system may separate gas from liquid at a rate of at
least about 30 cc/s.
The system may separate gas from liquid at a rate of at least about 40 cc/s.
The system may
separate gas from liquid as a rate of at least about 50 cc/s.
[00171] The one or more flow separation devices as described herein may
provide a separation
of a flow, such as a separation of a gas and liquid in a flow at a flow rate
of about 100 mmHg,
150 mmHg, 200 mmHg, 250 mmHg, 300 mmHg, 350 mmHg, 400 mmHg, 450 mmHg, 500
mmHg, or more. A separate of a flow may occur at a flow rate of at least about
150 mmHg. A
separation of a flow may occur at a flow rate of at least about 200 mmHg. A
separation of a flow
may occur at a flow rate of at least about 250 mmHg. A separation of a flow
may occur at a flow
rate of at least about 300 mmHg. A separation of a flow may occur at a flow
rate of at least
about 350 mmHg. A separation of a flow may occur at a flow rate of at least
about 400 mmHg.
A separation of a flow may occur at a flow rate of at least about 500 mmHg. A
separation of a
flow may occur at a flow rate from about 150 mmHg to about 350 mmHg. A
separation of a
flow may occur at a flow rate from about 200 mmHg to about 350 mmHg.
[00172] The one or more flow separation devices as described herein may be
configured to
cyclone a liquid portion of a flow into an outlet port adjacent or attached to
canister and to divert
a gas portion of a flow through a separate outlet port such as to a filtration
device. The one or
more flow separation devices or one or more components of the separation
device may be
disposable. The one or more flow separation devices or one or more components
of the
separation device may be reusable.
[00173] The suction capacity of a surgical instrument operatively coupled to
one or more flow
separation devices may increase compared to a surgical instrument not
operatively coupled. The
suction capacity may increase about 1 fold, 1.25 fold, 1.5 fold, 1.75 fold, 2
fold, 2.25 fold, 2.5
fold, 2.75 fold, 3 fold, 3.25 fold, 3.5 fold, 3.75 fold, 4 fold, 4.25 fold,
4.5 fold, 4.75 fold, 5 fold,
or more. The suction capacity may increase by at least about 1.25 fold. The
suction capacity may
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increase by at least about 1.5 fold. The suction capacity may increase by at
least about 1.75 fold.
The suction capacity may increase by at least about 2 fold. The suction
capacity may increase by
at least about 2.5 fold. The suction capacity may increase by at least about 3
fold.
[00174] The suction capacity of a surgical instrument operatively coupled to
one or more flow
separation devices may increase compared to a surgical instrument not
operatively coupled. The
suction capacity may increase about 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%,
60%, 65%,
70%, 750/s, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more. The suction capacity may increase at
least about
25%. The suction capacity may increase at least about 30%. The suction
capacity may increase
at least about 35%. The suction capacity may increase at least about 40%. The
suction capacity
may increase at least about 45%. The suction capacity may increase at least
about 50%. The
suction capacity may increase at least about 55%. The suction capacity may
increase at least
about 60%. The suction capacity may increase at least about 65%. The suction
capacity may
increase at least about 70%. The suction capacity may increase at least about
75%. The suction
capacity may increase at least about 80%. The suction capacity may increase at
least about 85%.
The suction capacity may increase at least about 90%.
[00175] The suction capacity of a suction source, such as a passive suction
source, operatively
coupled to one or more flow separation devices may increase compared to a
suction source not
operatively coupled. The suction capacity may increase about 1 fold, 1.25
fold, 1.5 fold, 1.75
fold, 2 fold, 2.25 fold, 2.5 fold, 2.75 fold, 3 fold, 3.25 fold, 3.5 fold,
3.75 fold, 4 fold, 4.25 fold,
4.5 fold, 4.75 fold, 5 fold, or more. The suction capacity may increase by at
least about 1.25
fold. The suction capacity may increase by at least about 1.5 fold The suction
capacity may
increase by at least about 1.75 fold. The suction capacity may increase by at
least about 2 fold.
The suction capacity may increase by at least about 2.5 fold. The suction
capacity may increase
by at least about 3 fold.
[00176] The suction capacity of a suction source, such as a passive suction
source, operatively
coupled to one or more flow separation devices may increase compared to a
suction source not
operatively coupled. The suction capacity may increase about 20%, 25%, 30%,
35%, 40%, 45%,
50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more. The suction capacity
may
increase at least about 25%. The suction capacity may increase at least about
30%. The suction
capacity may increase at least about 35%. The suction capacity may increase at
least about 40%.
The suction capacity may increase at least about 45%. The suction capacity may
increase at least
about 50%. The suction capacity may increase at least about 55%. The suction
capacity may
increase at least about 60%. The suction capacity may increase at least about
65%. The suction
capacity may increase at least about 70%. The suction capacity may increase at
least about 75%.
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The suction capacity may increase at least about 80%. The suction capacity may
increase at least
about 85%. The suction capacity may increase at least about 90%.
[00177] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method of operating a
separator system
in series. The steps illustrated in FIG. 5 is performed by, for example, one
or more elements of
separator system 400.
[00178] In steps 502 and 504, a single suction source applies suction to a
suction port of a
second separator which is connected to a first separator. The first separator
is connected to the
second separator such that a suction flow generated within the second
separator is translated to
the first separator. In some embodiments, the input port of the second
separator is connected to
the suction port of the first separator by a suction conduit such as standard
suction tubing. A
suction source is directly applied to a suction port of a second separator
generating a suction
flow that is transmitted to the first separator. As applied but not limited to
system 400, suction
source 416 is configured to supply suction. Suction port 426 is configured to
receive suction
flow 442 from suction source 416. Separator 422 is configured to transfer
suction flow 442 from
input port 424 to suction port 406.
[00179] In a step 506, a cyclonic or vortex flow is generated in both
separators. The first and
second separators are configured, as described herein, to generate a cyclonic
or vortex suction
flow when a suction source is applied to both separators. As applied but not
limited to system
400, separators 402, 422 are configured to generate from suction flow 442, a
cyclonic flow of
matter that is received via input port 404.
[00180] In a step 508, an input flow is received at an input port of the first
separator. As
applied but not limited to system 400, input port 404 is configured to receive
input flow 440.
Suction flow 442 has a pressure below an ambient air pressure. This pressure
difference is
configured to cause input flow 440 to flow into input port 404.
[00181] In a step 510, liquids and/or solids is separated from the input flow
at the first
separator as a suction flow is transmitted from the second separator. As
applied but not limited
to system 400, separator 402 is configured to separate suction flow 442 by
directing the heavier
constituents (i.e., liquids and solids) of input flow 440 into a cyclonic flow
pattern that gravity
acts upon to cause these heavier constituents to exit via collection port 408,
while the lighter
constituents (i.e., gasses, smoke, aerosols) in input flow 440 are pulled out
of separator 402 by
the suction at suction port 406. Thus, collection flow 444 includes at least
liquids and solids.
[00182] In a step 512, liquids and/or solids from the first separator is
collected. For example,
as described, a collection port is configured to receive the heavier
constituents and direct them to
a canister. As applied but not limited to system 400, collection port 408 is
configured to receive
the heavier constituents and direct them to collection canister 414. Separator
402 is coupled to
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collection canister 414. Collection canister 414 is configured to receive
collection flow 444 from
collection port 408. Separator 402 is configured to expel collection flow 444
to collection
canister 414 so long as fill volume 436 has not reached a predetermined level.
[00183] In a step 514 one or more gasses are suctioned through a suction port
of the first
separator. As applied but not limited to system 400, suction flow 442 may
include gasses
separated from input flow 440 by separator 402. Suction port 406 is configured
to pass suction
flow 442 from separator 402.
[00184] In a step 516, the input flow is passed through the suction port of
the first separator to
an input port of the second separator when a first canister reaches a
predetermined fill volume.
As applied but not limited to system 400, separator 402 is configured to pass
input flow 440
from suction port 406 to input port 424 unseparated when fill volume 436
reaches a
predetermined fill volume.
[00185] In a step 518, the input flow is received at an input port of a second
separator. As
applied but not limited to system 400, input port 424 is configured to receive
input flow 440.
[00186] In a step 520, liquids and/or solids is separated from the input flow
at the second
separator. As applied but not limited to system 400, separator 422 is
configured to separate
suction flow 442 from collection flow 444. Suction flow 442 may comprise
primarily gasses
separated from input flow 440. Collection flow 444 may comprise primarily
liquids and/or
solids separated from input flow 440.
[00187] In a step 522, liquids and/or solids are collected from the second
separator. As
applied but not limited to system 400, separator 422 is coupled to canister
434. Canister 434
is configured to receive collection flow 444. Collection port 428 is
configured to direct
collection flow 444 to canister 434. As applied but not limited to system 400.
[00188] In a step 524, one or more gasses are suctioned through the suction
port of the
second separator. As applied but not limited to system 400, suction flow 442
may comprise
primarily gasses separated from input flow 440. Separator 422 is configured to
pass suction
flow 442 through suction port 426.
[00189] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating suction system 600. Suction
system 600
includes separator 602, collection canister 614, suction source 616 and
suction attachment
646. Separator 602 is an example of separator 100, separator 202, separator
402 and
separator 422; however, separator 602 may include alternative configurations
and methods
of operation. Collection canister 614 is an example of collection canister
214, collection
canister 414 and collection canister 434; however, collection canister 614 may
include
alternative configurations and methods of operation. Suction source 616 is an
example of
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suction source 416; however, suction source 616 may include alternative
configurations or
methods of operation.
[00190] In some embodiments, separator 602 includes input port 604, suction
port 606 and
collection port 608.
[00191] In some embodiments, input port 604 is integral to a body included as
part of
separator 602. Input port 604 may integral to separator 602. Input port 604 is
located off-axis
from an axis defined by the longitudinal center of the cylindrical cavity.
Input port 604 may
be configured to direct a flow of matter along the cylindrical cavity wall. By
directing the
flow of matter along the cylindrical cavity wall, liquids and gasses may cling
to the wall of
the cavity due to the effects of centripetal forces. Input port 604 is
configured to receive a
flow of matter. The flow of matter is pulled into input port 604 by the
pressure difference
between the ambient air pressure and the lower pressure provided by suction
source 616. In
some embodiments, input port 604 may include fittings configured to attach
tubing. For
example, barbed or quick-disconnect type fittings may be used to couple tubing
to input port
604.
[00192] Suction port 606 is configured to couple to suction source 616. In
certain
embodiments, suction source 616 may include a vacuum pump, aspirator, and/or a
positive
pressure operated suction source¨such as suction sources that take advantage
of Venturi or
Coanda effect. Suction from suction source 616 creates suction at input port
604. Input port
604 is configured to receive a flow of matter. The flow of matter is pulled
into input port 604
by the pressure difference between the ambient air pressure and the lower
pressure provided
by suction source 616. The flow of matter may include liquids, solids, and
gasses, including
combinations thereof in varying ratios. In some embodiments, input port 604
may include
fittings configured to attach tubing. For example, barbed or quick-disconnect
type fittings
may be used to couple tubing to input port 604.
[00193] Collection port 608 is configured to expel a collection flow. The
collection flow
may include at least liquids and solids. Collection port 608 is disposed at
the narrow end of
the conical cavity of separator 602. Collection port 608 is coupled to
collection canister 614.
Collection canister 614 may be used to measure the matter collected from
separator 602.
Collection canister 614 may also be used for the safe collection,
transportation, and disposal
of waste received from separator 602. In some embodiments, collection port 608
may
include a mounting ring configured to form a seal between collection port 608
and collection
canister 614.
[00194] Suction attachment 646 is configured to couple to separator 602
Suction
attachment 646 may couple to input port 604 using flexible tubing or piping to
maintain
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maneuverability of suction attachment 646. In some embodiments, suction
attachment 646
may be configured for handheld operation. In some embodiments, suction
attachment 646
may be configured to couple to a surgical instrument.
[00195] In operation, suction source 616 supplies suction to suction port 606.
Suction
source 616 creates a cyclonic flow within separator 602 Suction attachment 646
is coupled
to input port 604. Input port 604 is configured to couple to suction
attachment 646 Separator
602 is configured to transfer suction from suction source 616 to suction
attachment 646.
Suction attachment 646 is configured to receive a flow a flow of matter. The
flow of matter
is pulled into suction attachment 646 by suction source 616. Separator 602 is
configured to
receive the flow of matter from suction attachment 646 at input port 604.
Separator 602 is
configured to separate liquids and solids from gasses in the flow of matter.
Collection port
608 is coupled to collection canister 614. Collection port 608 directs a
collection flow to
collection canister. The collection flow may include at least liquids and
solids. A suction
flow is pulled out suction port 606 by suction from suction source 616. The
suction flow
may comprise primarily gasses. However, in some examples, the suction flow may
comprise
liquids, solids and gasses.
[00196] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method of operating a suction
system. The steps
illustrated in FIG. 7 may be performed by, for example, one or more elements
of suction
system 600.
[00197] In a step 702, a suction source is applied to a suction port. As
applied but not
limited to system 600, separator 602 includes suction port 606. Suction port
606 is
configured to couple to suction source 616. Suction source 616 may be
configured to apply a
suction flow to separator 602.
[00198] In a step 704, cyclonic flow is generated in a separator. As applied
but not limited
to system 600, separator 602 is configured to generate, from a suction flow, a
cyclonic flow
of matter that is received via input port 604.
[00199] In a step 706, suction is transferred to a suction attachment. As
applied but not
limited to system 600, separator 602 is configured to transfer suction from
suction source
616 to suction attachment 646.
[00200] In a step 708, an input flow is received at the suction attachment. As
applied but
not limited to system 600, suction attachment 646 is configured to receive an
input flow
created by suction source 616.
[00201] In a step 710, suction flow is adjusted at the suction attachment. As
applied but
not limited to system 600, suction attachment 646 may be configured to adjust
suction
delivered at suction attachment 646. Suction source 616 may be configured to
maintain a
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consistent suction supply. Separator 602 continues to function while suction
is adjusted by
suction attachment 646.
[00202] In a step 712, an input flow is received at an input port. As applied
but not limited
to system 600, input port 604 is coupled to suction attachment 646. Input port
604 is
configured to receive an input flow from suction attachment 646.
[00203] In a step 714, liquids and solids are separated from the input flow.
As applied but
not limited to system 600, separator 602 is configured to separate a
collection flow from the
input flow by directing the heavier constituents (i.e., liquids and solids) of
the input flow into
a cyclonic flow pattern that gravity acts upon to cause these heavier
constituents to exit via
collection port 608, while the lighter constituents (i.e., gasses, smoke,
aerosols) in the input
flow are pulled out of separator 602 by the suction at suction port 606.
[00204] In a step 716, liquids and solids are directed out of a collection
port. As applied
but not limited to system 600, collection port 608 is configured to receive
the heavier
constituents and direct them to collection canister 614. Gases are suctioned
through a suction
port of the separator (718). For example, separator 602 is configured to
separate gasses from
the input flow received at input port 604. Suction source 616 is configured to
suction at least
gasses separated from the input flow from suction port 606.
[00205] FIG. 8A is an exploded-view diagram illustrating separator 800.
Separator 800 is
an example of separator 100, separator 202, separator 402, separator 422 and
separator 602;
however, separator 800 may include alternative configurations and methods of
operation.
[00206] In some embodiments, separator 800 includes body 802, input port 804,
suction
port 806, collection port 808, baffle 810, vortex element 812, mounting base
846 and
mounting ring 848.
[00207] Body 802 includes a cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical cavity.
The cylindrical
wall includes a first cylindrical cavity end and a second cylindrical cavity
end. Body 802
also forms a conical cavity. The conical cavity has a wide end and a narrow
end. The wide
end is mated to the second cylindrical cavity end of body 802. In some
embodiments, body
802 is configured to operate with the first cylindrical cavity end up. Body
802 is configured
to allow gravity to pull at least liquid and solids separated from a flow of
matter out
collection port 808, while gasses separated from the flow of matter are pulled
by suction out
of suction port 806.
[00208] Input port 804 is configured to receive a flow of matter. The flow of
matter may
be induced into separator 800 via suction port 806 by a suction or vacuum
source. Input port
804 is configured to direct a flow of matter along the cylindrical cavity
wall. By directing the
flow of matter along the cylindrical cavity wall, liquids and gasses may cling
to the wall of
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the cavity due to the effects of centripetal forces. Input port 804 is
integral to body 802.
Input port 804 is disposed in the cylindrical cavity wall of body 802. Input
port 804 is
located off-axis from an axis defined by the longitudinal center of the
cylindrical cavity.
[00209] Suction port 806 is configured to couple to suction source 816. In
certain
embodiments, suction source 816 may include a vacuum pump, aspirator, and/or a
positive
pressure operated suction source¨such as suction sources that take advantage
of Venturi or
Coanda effect. Suction from suction source 816 creates suction at input port
804. Input port
804 is configured to receive a flow of matter. The flow of matter is pulled
into input port 804
by the pressure difference between the ambient air pressure and the lower
pressure provided
by suction source 816. The flow of matter may include liquids, solids, and
gasses, including
combinations thereof in varying ratios. In some embodiments, input port 804
may include
fittings configured to attach tubing. For example, barbed or quick-disconnect
type fittings
may be used to couple tubing to input port 804.
[00210] Collection port 808 is configured to expel a collection flow. The
collection flow
may comprise at least liquids and solids. Collection port 808 is disposed at
the narrow end of
the conical cavity of body 802. In an embodiment, collection port 808 may be
configured to
couple to a collection canister. A collection canister may be used to measure
the matter
collected from separator 800. A collection canister may also be used for the
safe collection
and disposal of waste received from separator 800. In some embodiments,
collection port
808 may be coupled to tubing or piping to direct matter to a waste drain. In
some
embodiments, collection port 808 may include mounting ring 848 configured to
form a seal
between collection port 808 to tubing or a collection canister.
[00211] Baffle 810 is configured to prevent liquids or solids in the flow from
being pulled
directly from input port 804 to suction port 806 without traversing at least a
first portion of a
circumference of the cylindrical wall of separator body 802. Baffle 810 is
disposed between
input port 804 and suction port 806. Baffle 810 includes passageways
configured to allow at
least gasses in a flow of matter to separate from liquids and solids that
maybe included in the
flow. Gasses may be pulled through baffle 810 and out suction port 806. Baffle
810 includes
a solid surface located proximal to input port 804 configured to direct the
flow to traverse at
least a first portion of a circumference of the cylindrical wall of body 802.
The solid surface
included in baffle 810 may to prevent liquids and solids in the flow from
being pulled
directly from input port 804 to suction port 806 by allowing time for gravity
to act on the
liquids and solids before they reach an opening in baffle 810. By allowing
time for gravity to
act on the liquids and solids as they traverse the solid surface of baffle
810, the liquids and
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solids can descend towards collection port 808 and thereby not be suctioned
out of the
suction port 806.
[00212] Vortex element 812 is configured to allow a collection flow to pass
through the
annular cavity before dropping out collection port 808. The collection flow
may comprise at
least liquids and solids. Vortex element 812 includes a cylindrical central
member disposed
within the cylindrical cavity of body 802. The cylindrical central member
forms an annular
cavity between vortex element 812 and body 802. Vortex element 812 includes a
tapered
section disposed in the conical cavity of body 802. Vortex element 812
includes a plurality
of cylindrical sections having different diameters. The plurality of
cylindrical sections
includes a first section that defines a first portion of the annular cavity
and a second section
that defines a second portion of the annular cavity. The tapered and
cylindrical sections may
be configured to direct the flow within body 802 in a cyclonic flow pattern.
Baffle 810 is
integral to vortex element 812.
[00213] Mounting base 846 is configured to allow separator 800 to be
assembled.
Mounting base 846 is configured to couple to body 802. Mounting base 846 is
configured to
couple to mounting ring 848.
[00214] Mounting ring 848 is configured to operate as a seal for suction port
806.
Mounting ring 848 may be made from a flexible material that folins a seal
between separator
800 and a coupling to a suction source.
[00215] FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating vortex element 800 Vortex element
812 is
configured to form an annular cavity between vortex element 812 and body 802.
Vortex
element 812 is configured to generate a vortex flow within body 802. The
vortex flow and
gravity may cause liquids and solids in a flow of matter received at input
port 804 to separate
from gasses. Vortex element 812 includes a cylindrical central member disposed
within the
generally cylindrical cavity of body 802. Vortex element 812 includes a
tapered section
disposed near the conical cavity of body 802. Vortex element 812 includes a
plurality of
cylindrical sections having different diameters. The plurality of cylindrical
sections includes
a first section that defines a first portion of the annular cavity and a
second section that
defines a second portion of the annular cavity. Baffle 810 is integral to
vortex element 812.
[00216] Vortex element 812 includes baffle 810. Baffle 810 is configured to
prevent
liquids or solids in the flow from being pulled directly from input port 804
to suction port
806 without traversing at least a first portion of a circumference of the
cylindrical wall of
separator body 802. Baffle 810 is disposed between input port 804 and suction
port 806.
Baffle 810 includes passageways configured to allow at least gasses in a flow
of matter to
separate from liquids and solids that maybe included in the flow. Gasses may
be pulled
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through baffle 810 and out suction port 806. Baffle 810 includes a solid
surface located
proximal to input port 804 configured to direct the flow to traverse at least
a first portion of a
circumference of the cylindrical wall of body 802. The solid surface included
in baffle 810
may to prevent liquids and solids in the flow from being pulled directly from
input port 804
to suction port 806 by allowing time for gravity to act on the liquids and
solids before they
reach an opening in baffle 810. By allowing time for gravity to act on the
liquids and solids
as they traverse the solid surface of baffle 810, the liquids and solids can
descend towards
collection port 808 and thereby not be suctioned out of the suction port 806.
[00217] FIG. 8C is a top-view diagram illustrating the operation of separator
800. In
operation, a suction source coupled to suction port 806 induces input flow 840
within
separator 800. Input flow 840 enters separator 800 through input port 804.
Baffle 810
includes passageways 850 configured to allow at least gasses to exit separator
800 via
collection port 808. Baffle 810 does not include passageways 850 immediately
proximal to
input port 804 forcing input flow 840 to traverse at least a first portion of
a circumference of
the interior of body 802.
[00218] FIG. 80 is a cross-section diagram illustrating the operation of
separator 800.
Separator 800 includes body 802, input port 804, suction port 806, collection
port 808, baffle
810, vortex element 812, mounting base 846 and mounting ring 848. The elements
in FIG.
80 have been previously described.
[00219] In operation, a suction supply is coupled to suction port 806. Suction
port 806 is
configured to transfer suction from a suction source to input port 804.
Suction from a suction
source induces input flow 840 to enter input port 804. Baffle 810 includes
passageways 850
configured to allow at least gasses included in input flow 840 to exit
separator 800 via
suction port 806. Baffle 810 includes a solid surface immediately proximal to
input port 804
forcing input flow 840 to traverse at least a first portion of the interior of
body 802. Vortex
element 812 forms an annular opening between vortex element 812 and the
interior cavity of
body 802. A combination of cyclonic flow generated by separator 800 and
gravity cause
collection flow 844 to separate out of input flow 840. Collection flow 844 may
include at
least liquids and solids separated from input flow 840. Collection flow 844 is
expelled out
collection port 808. Separator 800 is configured to separate suction flow 842
from input flow
840. Suction flow 842 is pulled out suction port 806 by a suction source.
[00220] FIG. 9A is an exploded-view diagram illustrating separator 900.
Separator 900 is
an example of separator 100, separator 202, separator 402, separator 422 and
separator 602;
however, separator 900 may include alternative configurations and methods of
operation.
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[00221] In some embodiments, separator 900 includes body 902, input port 904,
suction
port 906, collection port 908, baffle 910, vortex element 912, mounting base
946 and
mounting ring 948.
[00222] Body 902 includes a cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical cavity.
The cylindrical
wall includes a first cylindrical cavity end and a second cylindrical cavity
end. Body 902
also forms a conical cavity. The conical cavity has a wide end and a narrow
end. The wide
end is mated to the second cylindrical cavity end of body 902. In some
embodiments, body
902 is configured to operate with the first cylindrical cavity end up. Body
902 is configured
to allow gravity to pull at least liquid and solids separated from a flow of
matter out
collection port 908, while gasses separated from the flow of matter are pulled
by suction out
of suction port 906.
[00223] Input port 904 is configured to receive a flow of matter. The flow of
matter may
be induced into separator 900 via suction port 906 by a suction or vacuum
source. Input port
904 is configured to direct a flow of matter along the cylindrical cavity wall
of body 902. By
directing the flow of matter along the cylindrical cavity wall, liquids and
gasses may cling to
the wall of the cavity due to the effects of centripetal forces. Input port
904 is integral to
body 902. Input port 904 is disposed in the cylindrical cavity wall. Input
port 904 is located
off-axis from an axis defined by the longitudinal center of the cylindrical
cavity.
[00224] Suction port 906 is configured to couple to a suction source. In
certain
embodiments, the suction source may include a vacuum pump, aspirator, and/or a
positive
pressure operated suction source¨such as suction sources that take advantage
of Venturi or
Coanda effect. Suction from a suction source is transferred from suction port
906 to input
port 904. Input port 904 is configured to receive a flow of matter. The flow
of matter is
pulled into input port 904 by the pressure difference between the ambient air
pressure the
lower pressure provided by the suction source. The flow of matter may include
liquids,
solids, and gasses, including combinations thereof in varying ratios. Suction
port 906 is
disposed near the first cylindrical cavity end. Suction port 906 provides
suction received
from a suction source for operating separator 900. In some embodiments,
suction port 906
may include fittings configured to attach tubing. For example, barbed or quick-
disconnect
type fittings may be used to couple tubing to suction port 906. The tubing may
be used to
couple suction port 906 to a suction source or to an input port 904 of another
separator.
[00225] Collection port 908 is configured to expel a collection flow. The
collection flow
may comprise at least liquids and solids. Collection port 908 is disposed at
the narrow end of
the conical cavity of body 902. In an embodiment, collection port 908 may be
configured to
couple to a collection canister. A collection canister may be used to measure
the matter
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collected from separator 900. A collection canister may also be used for the
safe collection,
transportation and disposal of waste received from separator 900. In some
embodiments,
collection port 908 may be coupled to tubing or piping to direct matter to a
waste drain. In
some embodiments, collection port 908 may include a mounting ring 948
configured to form
a seal between collection port 908 to tubing or a collection canister.
[00226] Baffle 910 is configured to prevent liquids or solids in the flow from
being pulled
directly from input port 904 to suction port 906 without traversing at least a
first portion of a
circumference of the cylindrical wall of separator body 902. Baffle 910 is
disposed between
input port 904 and suction port 906. Baffle 910 includes passageways 950
configured to
allow at least gasses in a flow of matter to separate from liquids and solids
that maybe
included in the flow. Gasses may be pulled through baffle 910 and out suction
port 906.
Baffle 910 includes a solid surface located proximal to input port 904
configured to direct
the flow to traverse at least a first portion of a circumference of the
cylindrical wall of body
902. The solid surface included in baffle 910 may prevent liquids and solids
in the flow from
being pulled directly from input port 904 to suction port 906 by allowing time
for gravity to
act on the liquids and solids before they reach an opening in baffle 910. By
allowing time for
gravity to act on the liquids and solids as they traverse the solid surface of
baffle 910, the
liquids and solids can descend towards collection port 908 and thereby not be
suctioned out
of the suction port 906.
[00227] Vortex element 912 is configured to form an annular cavity between
vortex
element 912 and body 902. Vortex element 912 is configured to generate a
vortex flow
within body 902. The vortex flow and gravity may cause liquids and solids in a
flow of
matter received at input port 904 to separate from gasses. Liquids and gases
may be expelled
out collection port 908. Vortex element 912 includes a cylindrical central
member disposed
within the generally cylindrical cavity of body 902. Vortex element 912
includes a tapered
section disposed near the conical cavity of body 902. Vortex element 912
includes a plurality
of cylindrical sections having different diameters. The plurality of
cylindrical sections
includes a first section that defines a first portion of the annular cavity
and a second section
that defines a second portion of the annular cavity. Baffle 910 is integral to
vortex element
912.
[00228] Mounting base 946 is configured to allow separator 900 to be
assembled.
Mounting base 946 is configured to couple to body 902. Mounting base 946 is
configured to
couple to mounting ring 948.
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[00229] Mounting ring 948 is configured to operate as a seal for suction port
906.
Mounting ring 948 may be made from a flexible material that forms a seal
between separator
900 and a coupling to a suction source.
[00230] FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating vortex element 912. Separator 900
includes
vortex element 912. Vortex element 912 is configured to form an annular cavity
between
vortex element 912 and body 902 Vortex element 912 is configured to generate a
vortex
flow within body 902. The vortex flow and gravity may cause liquids and solids
in a flow of
matter received at input port 904 to separate from gasses. Liquids and gases
may be expelled
out collection port 908. Vortex element 912 includes a cylindrical central
member disposed
within the generally cylindrical cavity of body 902. Vortex element 912
includes a tapered
section disposed near the conical cavity of body 902. Vortex element 912
includes a plurality
of cylindrical sections having different diameters. The plurality of
cylindrical sections
includes a first section that defines a first portion of the annular cavity
and a second section
that defines a second portion of the annular cavity. Baffle 910 is integral to
vortex element
912.
[00231] Vortex element 912 includes baffle 910. Baffle 910 is configured to
prevent
liquids or solids in the flow from being pulled directly from input port 904
to suction port
906 without traversing at least a first portion of a circumference of the
cylindrical wall of
separator body 902. Baffle 910 is disposed between input port 904 and suction
port 906.
Baffle 910 includes passageways 950 configured to allow at least gasses in a
flow of matter
to separate from liquids and solids that maybe included in the flow. Gasses
may be pulled
through baffle 910 and out suction port 906. Baffle 910 includes a solid
surface located
proximal to input port 904 configured to direct the flow to traverse at least
a first portion of a
circumference of the cylindrical wall of body 902. The solid surface included
in baffle 910
may prevent liquids and solids in the flow from being pulled directly from
input port 904 to
suction port 906 by allowing time for gravity to act on the liquids and solids
before they
reach an opening in baffle 910. By allowing time for gravity to act on the
liquids and solids
as they traverse the solid surface of baffle 910, the liquids and solids can
descend towards
collection port 908 and thereby not be suctioned out of the suction port 906.
[00232] FIG. 9C is a top-view diagram illustrating the operation of separator
900. In
operation, a suction source coupled to suction port 906 induces input flow 940
within
separator 900. Input flow 940 enters separator 900 through input port 904.
Baffle 910
includes passageways 950 configured to allow at least gasses to exit separator
900 via
suction port 906. Baffle 910 does not include passageways 950 immediately
proximal to
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input port 904 forcing input flow 940 to traverse at least a first portion of
a circumference of
the interior of body 902.
[00233] FIG. 9D is a cross-section diagram illustrating the operation of
separator 900.
Separator 900 includes body 902, input port 904, suction port 906, collection
port 908, baffle
910, vortex element 912, mounting base 946 and mounting ring 948. The elements
in FIG.
9D have been previously described.
[00234] In operation, a suction supply is coupled to suction port 906. Suction
port 906 is
configured to transfer suction from a suction source to input port 904.
Suction from a suction
source induces input flow 940 to enter input port 904. Baffle 910 includes
passageways 950
configured to allow at least gasses included in input flow 940 to exit
separator 900 via
suction port 906. Baffle 910 does not include passageways 950 immediately
proximal to
input port 904 forcing input flow 940 to traverse at least a first portion of
the interior of body
902. Vortex element 912 forms an annular opening between vortex element 912
and the
interior cavity of body 902. A combination of cyclonic flow generated by
separator 900 and
gravity cause collection flow 944 to separate out of input flow 940.
Collection flow 944 may
include at least liquids and solids separated from input flow 940. Collection
flow 944 is
expelled out collection port 908. Separator 900 is configured to separate
suction flow 942
from input flow 940. Suction flow 942 is pulled out suction port 906 by a
suction source.
[00235] FIG. 10A is an exploded-view diagram illustrating separator 1000.
Separator
1000 is an example of separator 100, separator 202, separator 402, separator
422 and
separator 602; however, separator 1000 may include alternative configurations
and methods
of operation.
[00236] In some embodiments, separator 1000 includes body 1002, input port
1004,
suction port 1006, collection port 1008, baffle 1010, vortex element 1012,
mounting base
1046 and mounting ring 1048.
[00237] Body 1002 includes a cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical cavity.
The
cylindrical wall includes a first cylindrical cavity end and a second
cylindrical cavity end.
Body 1002 also forms a conical cavity. The conical cavity has a wide end and a
narrow end.
The wide end is mated to the second cylindrical cavity end of body 1002. In
some
embodiments, body 1002 is configured to operate with the first cylindrical
cavity end up.
Body 1002 is configured to allow gravity to pull at least liquid and solids
separated from a
flow of matter out collection port 1008, while gasses separated from the flow
of matter are
pulled by suction out of suction port 1006.
[00238] Input port 1004 is configured to receive a flow of matter. The flow of
matter may
be induced into separator 1000 via suction port 1006 by a suction or vacuum
source. Input
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port 1004 is configured to direct a flow of matter along the cylindrical
cavity wall. By
directing the flow of matter along the cylindrical cavity wall, liquids and
gasses may cling to
the wall of the cavity due to the effects of centripetal forces. Input port
1004 is integral to
body 1002. Input port 1004 is disposed in the cylindrical cavity wall. Input
port 1004 is
located off-axis from an axis defined by the longitudinal center of the
cylindrical cavity.
[00239] Suction port 1006 is configured to couple to a suction source. In
certain
embodiments, the suction source may include a vacuum pump, aspirator, and/or a
positive
pressure operated suction source¨such as suction sources that take advantage
of Venturi or
Coanda effect. Suction from a suction source is transferred from suction port
1006 to input
port 1004. Input port 1004 is configured to receive a flow of matter. The flow
of matter is
pulled into input port 1004 by the pressure difference between the ambient air
pressure the
lower pressure provided by the suction source. The flow of matter may include
liquids,
solids, and gasses, including combinations thereof in varying ratios. Suction
port 1406 is
disposed near the first cylindrical cavity end. Suction port 1006 provides
suction received
from a suction source for operating separator 1000. In some embodiments,
suction port 1006
may include fittings configured to attach tubing. For example, barbed or quick-
disconnect
type fittings may be used to couple tubing to suction port 1006. The tubing
may be used to
couple suction port 1406 to a suction source or to an input port 1004 of
another separator
system
[00240] Collection port 1008 is configured to expel a collection flow. The
collection flow
may comprise at least liquids and solids. Collection port 1008 is disposed at
the narrow end
of the conical cavity of body 1002. In an embodiment, collection port 1008 may
be
configured to couple to a collection canister. A collection canister may be
used to measure
the matter collected from separator 1000. A collection canister may also be
used for the safe
collection, transportation and disposal of waste received from separator 1000.
In some
embodiments, collection port 1008 may be coupled to tubing or piping to direct
matter to a
waste drain. In some embodiments, collection port 1008 may include mounting
ring 1048
configured to form a seal between collection port 1008 to tubing or a
collection canister.
[00241] Baffle 1010 is configured to prevent liquids or solids in the flow
from being
pulled directly from input port 1004 to suction port 1006 without traversing
at least a first
portion of a circumference of the cylindrical wall of separator body 1002.
Baffle 1010 is
disposed between input port 1004 and suction port 1006. Baffle 1010 includes
passageways
1050 configured to allow at least gasses in a flow of matter to separate from
liquids and
solids that maybe included in the flow. Gasses may be pulled through baffle
1010 and out
suction port 1006. Baffle 1010 includes a solid surface located proximal to
input port 1004
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configured to direct the flow to traverse at least a first portion of a
circumference of the
cylindrical wall of body 1002. The solid surface included in baffle 1010 may
to prevent
liquids and solids in the flow from being pulled directly from input port 1004
to suction port
1006 by allowing time for gravity to act on the liquids and solids before they
reach an
opening in baffle 1010. By allowing time for gravity to act on the liquids and
solids as they
traverse the solid surface of baffle 1010, the liquids and solids can descend
towards
collection port 1008 and thereby not be suctioned out of the suction port
1006. Baffle 1010 is
integral to vortex element 1012.
[00242] Vortex element 1012 is configured to form an annular cavity between
vortex
element 1012 and body 1002. Vortex element 1012 is configured to generate a
vortex flow
within body 1002. The vortex flow and gravity may cause liquids and solids in
a flow of
matter received at input port 1004 to separate from gasses. Liquids and gases
may be
expelled out collection port 1008. Vortex element 1012 includes a cylindrical
central
member disposed within the generally cylindrical cavity of body 1002. Vortex
element 1012
includes a tapered section disposed near the conical cavity of body 1002.
Vortex element
1012 is integral to baffle 1010.
[00243] Mounting base 1046 is configured to allow separator 1000 to be
assembled.
Mounting base 1046 is configured to couple to body 1002. Mounting base 1046 is
configured to couple to mounting ring 1048.
[00244] Mounting ring 1048 is configured to operate as a seal for suction port
1006.
Mounting ring 1048 may be made from a flexible material that forms a seal
between
separator 1000 and a coupling to a suction source.
[00245] FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating vortex element 1012. Vortex element
1012 is
configured to form an annular cavity between vortex element 1012 and body
1002. Vortex
element 1012 is configured to generate a vortex flow within body 1002. The
vortex flow and
gravity may cause liquids and solids in a flow of matter received at input
port 1004 to
separate from gasses. Liquids and gases may be expelled out collection port
1008. Vortex
element 1012 includes a cylindrical central member disposed within the
generally cylindrical
cavity of body 1002. Vortex element 1012 includes a tapered section disposed
near the
conical cavity of body 1002. Baffle 1010 is integral to vortex element 1012.
[00246] FIG. 10C is a top-view diagram illustrating the operation of separator
1000. In
operation, a suction source coupled to suction port 1006 induces input flow
1040 within
separator 1000. Flow 1040 enters separator 1000 through input port 1004.
Baffle 1010
includes passageways 1050 configured to allow at least gasses to exit
separator 1000 via
suction port 1006. Baffle 1010 does not include passageways 1050 immediately
proximal to
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input port 1004 forcing input flow 1040 to traverse at least a first portion
of a circumference
of the interior of body 1002.
[00247] FIG. 10D is a cross-section diagram illustrating the operation of
separator 1000.
Separator 1000 includes body 1002, input port 1004, suction port 1006,
collection port 1008,
baffle 1010, vortex element 1012, mounting base 1046 and mounting ring 1048.
The
elements in FIG. 10D have been previously described. FIG. 10D is included for
further
reference.
[00248] In operation, a suction supply is coupled to suction port 1006.
Suction port 1006 is
configured to transfer suction from a suction source to input port 1004.
Suction from a
suction source induces input flow 1040 to enter input port 1004. Baffle 1010
includes
passageways 1050 configured to allow at least gasses included in input flow
1040 to exit
separator 1000 via suction port 1006. Baffle 1010 does not include passageways
1050
immediately proximal to input port 1004 forcing input flow 1040 to traverse at
least a first
portion of the interior of body 1002. Vortex element 1012 forms an annular
opening between
vortex element 1012 and the interior cavity of body 1002. A combination of
cyclonic flow
generated by separator 1000 and gravity cause collection flow 1044 to separate
out of input
flow 1040. Collection flow 1044 may include at least liquids and solids
separated from input
flow 1040. Collection flow 1044 is expelled out collection port 1008.
Separator 1000 is
configured to separate suction flow 1042 from input flow 1040. Suction flow
1042 is pulled
out suction port 1006 by a suction source
[00249] FIG. 11A is an exploded-view diagram illustrating separator 1100
Separator
1100 is an example of separator 100, separator 202, separator 402, separator
422 and
separator 602; however, separator 1100 may include alternative configurations
and methods
of operation.
[00250] In some embodiments, separator 1100 includes body 1102, input port
1104,
suction port 1106, collection port 1108, baffle 1110 and vortex element 1112.
[00251] Body 1102 includes a cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical cavity.
The
cylindrical wall includes a first cylindrical cavity end and a second
cylindrical cavity end.
Body 1102 also forms a conical cavity. The conical cavity has a wide end and a
narrow end.
The wide end is mated to the second cylindrical cavity end of body 1102. In
some
embodiments, body 1102 is configured to operate with the first cylindrical
cavity end up.
Body 1102 is configured to allow gravity to pull at least liquid and solids
separated from a
flow of matter out collection port 1108, while gasses separated from the flow
of matter are
pulled by suction out of suction port 1106.
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[00252] Input port 1104 is integral to body 1102. Input port 1104 is disposed
in the
cylindrical cavity wall. Input port 1104 is located off-axis from an axis
defined by the
longitudinal center of the cylindrical cavity. Input port 1104 is configured
to receive a flow
of matter. The flow of matter may be induced into separator 1100 via suction
port 1106 by a
suction or vacuum source. Input port 1104 is configured to direct a flow of
matter along the
cylindrical cavity wall By directing the flow of matter along the cylindrical
cavity wall,
liquids and gasses may cling to the wall of the cavity due to the effects of
centripetal forces.
[00253] Collection port 1108 is disposed at the narrow end of the conical
cavity of body
1102. Collection port 1108 is configured to expel at least liquids and solids.
In an
embodiment, collection port 1108 may be configured to couple to a collection
canister. A
collection canister may be used to measure the matter collected from separator
1100. A
collection canister may also be used for the safe collection, transportation
and disposal of
waste received from separator 1100. In some embodiments, collection port 1108
may be
coupled to tubing or piping to direct matter to a waste drain. In some
embodiments,
collection port 1108 may include a mounting ring configured to form a seal
between
collection port 1108 to tubing or a collection canister.
[00254] Baffle 1110 is disposed between input port 1104 and suction port 1106.
Baffle
1110 is configured to prevent liquids or solids in the flow from being pulled
directly from
input port 1104 to suction port 1106 without traversing at least a first
portion of a
circumference of the cylindrical wall of separator body 1102. Baffle 1110
includes a solid
surface located proximal to input port 1104. The solid surface may be used to
prevent liquids
and solids in the flow from being pulled directly from input port 1104 to
suction port 1106
by allowing time for gravity to act on the liquids and solids before they
reach an opening in
baffle 1110. By allowing time for gravity to act on the liquids and solids as
they traverse the
solid surface of baffle 1110, the liquids and solids can descend towards
collection port 1308
and thereby not be suctioned out of the suction port 1106. Baffle 1110 is
integral to vortex
element 1112.
[00255] Vortex element 1112 includes a tapered cylindrical central member
disposed
within the generally cylindrical cavity of body 1102. Vortex element 1112 is
configured to
form an annular cavity between vortex element 1112 and body 1102. Vortex
element 1112 is
configured to generate a vortex flow within body 1102. The vortex flow and
gravity may
cause liquids and solids in a flow of matter received at input port 1104 to
separate from
gasses. Liquids and solids may be expelled out collection port 1108. Vortex
element 1112
includes a lumen disposed within the cylindrical central member configured to
allow at least
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gasses to pass through vortex element 1112 to suction port 1106. Baffle 1110
is integral to
vortex element 1112.
[00256] FIG. 11B is a top-view diagram illustrating the operation of separator
1100. In
operation, a suction source coupled to suction port 1106 induces input flow
1140 within
separator 1100. Input flow 1140 enters separator 1100 through input port 1104.
Baffle 1110
includes suction port 1106 configured to allow at least gasses to exit
separator 1100. Baffle
1110 is configured to force input flow 1140 to traverse at least a first
portion of a
circumference of the interior of body 1102 before exiting suction port 1106.
[00257] FIG. 11C is a cross-section diagram illustrating the operation of
separator 1100.
Separator 1100 includes body 1102, input port 1104, suction port 1106,
collection port 1108,
baffle 1110 and vortex element 1112.
[00258] In operation, Separator 1100 is configured to separate suction flow
1142 from
input flow 1140. A suction source is coupled to suction port 1106. Suction
port 1106 is
configured to transfer suction from a suction source to input port 1104.
Suction from a
suction source induces input flow 1140 to enter input port 1104. Baffle 1110
is configured to
force input flow 1140 to traverse at least a first portion of the interior of
body 1102 before
passing out suction port 1106. Vortex element 1112 is configured to allow
suction flow
11142 separated from input flow 1140 to exit separator 1100 via suction port
1106. Vortex
element 1112 foims an annular opening between vortex element 1112 and the
interior cavity
of body 1102. A combination of cyclonic flow generated by separator 1100 and
gravity may
cause collection flow 1144 to separate from input flow 1140. Collection flow
1144 may
include at least liquids and solids separated from input flow 1140. Collection
flow 1144 is
expelled out collection port 1108. Suction flow 1142 is pulled out suction
port 1106 by a
suction source.
[00259] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a separator system 1200.
Separator 1202
and separator 1222 are examples separator 100, separator 202, separator 402,
separator 422
and separator 602, separator 800, separator 900, separator 1000, and separator
1100;
however, separator system 1200 may include alternative configurations and
methods of
operation.
[00260] In some embodiments, separator system 1200 includes separator 1202,
canister
1214, separator 1222, input tubing 1230, separator coupling tubing 1232,
canister 1234 and
output tubing 1236.
[00261] In some embodiments, separator 1202 includes input port 1204, suction
port 1206,
collection port 1208, baffle 1210 and vortex element 1212.
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[00262] Separator 1202 includes a body with a cylindrical cavity having a
cylindrical
cavity wall, a first cylindrical cavity end, and a second cylindrical cavity
end. In some
embodiments, separator 1202 may be configured to operate with the first
cylindrical end up.
The body may include a conical cavity. The conical cavity may include a wide
end and a
narrow end. The wide end may be coupled to the second cylindrical cavity end.
[00263] In some embodiments, input port 1204 may be integral to a body
included as part
of separator 1202. Input port 1204 may integral to separator 1202. Input port
1204 maybe
located off-axis from an axis defined by the longitudinal center of separator
1202. Input port
1204 is configured to direct input flow 1240 of matter along the interior of
separator 1202.
Input port 1204 is configured to receive input flow 1240. Input flow 1240 may
be induced
into separator 1202 via suction source 1216. Suction port 1206 is configured
to couple to
suction source 1216. As illustrated in FIG. 12, suction port 1206 may be
configured to
receive suction from suction source 1216 after the suction has passed through
another
device, such as separator 1222. In some embodiments, suction source 1216 may
include a
vacuum pump, aspirator, and/or a positive pressure operated suction device
that takes
advantage of the Coanda effect. In some embodiments, input port 1204 may
include fittings
configured to attach tubing. For example, barbed or quick-disconnect type
fittings may be
used to couple tubing to input port 1204.
[00264] Suction port 1206 is disposed near a first end of separator 1202.
Suction port 1206
is configured to couple to suction source 1216 or another separator, such as
separator 1222
Suction port 1206 provides suction received from suction source 1216 to
operate separator
1202. In some embodiments, suction port 1206 may include fittings configured
to attach
tubing. For example, barbed or quick-disconnect type fittings may be used to
couple tubing
to suction port 1206. The tubing may be used to couple suction port 1206 to
suction source
1216 or to input port 1224 of separator 1222.
[00265] Collection port 1208 may be disposed at a second end of separator
1202.
Collection port 1208 is configured to expel at least liquids and solids.
Collection port 1208 is
configured to couple to canister 1214. Canister 1214 may be used to measure
matter
collected from separator 1202. Canister 1214 may also be used for the safe
collection and
disposal of waste received from separator 1202. In some embodiments,
collection port 1208
may be coupled to tubing or piping to direct matter to a waste drain. In some
embodiments,
collection port 1208 may include a mounting ring configured to form a seal
between
collection port 1208 and canister 1214.
[00266] Canister 1214 is configured to receive a collection flow from
separator 1202. The
collection flow may include liquids and solids separated from input flow 1240
received at
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input port 1204. The collection flow may include surgical byproducts. Canister
1214 may be
used to measure the amount of liquids and/or solids separated from input flow
1240 received
at input port 1204. Canister 1214 may be configured to permit the safe
collection and
disposal of waste. In some embodiments, canister 1214 may include a valve
configured to
activate when canister 1214 is filled to a pre-determined volume. The valve
may be used to
prevent waste from leaving canister 1214 during transportation. In some
embodiments,
canister 1214 may include a commercially available collection canister.
[00267] Separator system 1200 includes separator 1222 and collection canister
1234.
Separator 1222 may include similar configurations and methods of operation as
separator
1202. For the sake of brevity, separator 1222 will not be described further.
Likewise
collection canister 1234 may include similar configurations and methods of
operation as
canister 1214. For the sake of brevity, collection canister 1234 will not be
described further.
[00268] Suction source 1216 may be any device configured to generate a
pressure below
an ambient air pressure. Suction source 1216 may include a vacuum pump,
aspirator or
Coanda based positive pressure operated suction device. In some embodiments,
suction
source 1216 may be configured to take advantage of the Coanda or Venturi
effect.
[00269] In operation, suction source 1216 supplies a suction flow to suction
port 1226 via
output tubing 1236. Separator 1222 is configured to transfer the suction flow
to separator
1202. Suction flow 1242 creates a pressure near input port 1204 that is below
the ambient air
pressure. The ambient air pressure overcomes the pressure of the suction flow
thereby
inducing input flow 1240 into input port 1204. Input port 1204 is configured
to receive input
flow 1240. Input flow 1240 may comprise liquids, gasses and solids, including
combinations
thereof in varying ratios. Input flow 1240 may include surgical byproducts.
Separator 1202
creates a cyclonic flow from the suction flow. The cyclonic flow and gravity
cause a
collection flow to separate from input flow 1240. The collection flow may
comprise at least
liquids and solids. The collection flow is expelled from collection port 1208.
Collection port
1208 is configured to direct the collection flow to collection canister 1214.
[00270] Separator 1202 separates a suction flow from a collection flow. In a
first mode of
operation, the suction flow may comprise primarily gasses separated from input
flow 1240.
The suction flow is pulled from separator 1202 by suction source 1216. The
suction flow is
passed from suction port 1206 to input port 1224. Separator 1202 continues to
operate in the
first mode of operation until a fill volume within collection canister 1214
reaches a
predetermined volume.
[00271] Separators 1202, 1222 may be configured to pass input flow 1240 from
input
ports 1204, 1224 to suction ports 1206, 1226 unseparated when collection
canisters 1214,
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1234 reach predetermined fill volumes. In a second mode of operation,
separator 1202 may
pass input flow 1240 through suction port 1206 to separator 1222 unseparated.
[00272] In operation, suction source 1216 supplies a suction flow from suction
source
1216 to suction port 1226. Separator 1222 is configured to pass the suction
flow to separator
1202. The suction flow pulls input flow 1240 into input port 1204. Separator
1202 passes
input flow 1240 from input port 1204 to suction port 1206 unseparated because
a
predetermined fill volume within collection canister 1214 has been reached.
Input flow 1240
is received by input port 1224. A fill volume in collection canister 1234 has
not reached a
predetermined fill volume. Separator 1222 separates a collection flow from a
suction flow.
The collection flow may comprise primarily liquids and solids from input flow
1240.
Separator 1222 separates a suction flow from a collection flow. The collection
flow is
expelled out collection port 1228. Collection port 1228 is coupled to
collection canister
1234. Collection canister 1234 is configured to receive a collection flow from
collection port
1228. A suction flow is pulled out suction port 1226 by suction source 1216.
[00273] FIG. 13A is a block diagram illustrating separator with filter 1300.
Separator with
filter 1300 is an example of separator 100, separator 202, separator 402 and
separator 602;
however, separator with filter 1300 includes electric filter 1352. In
addition, separator with
filter 1300 may include alternative configurations and methods of operation
than the
previously described embodiments.
[00274] Separator with filter 1300 includes separator body 1302, input port
1304, suction
port 1306, collection port 1308, baffle 1310, vortex element 1312 and electric
filter 1352 and
filter controller 1354. In operation, separator 1300 is configured to separate
liquids, solids
and gasses in a flow of matter. Separator 1300 ejects liquids and solids
separated from the
flow of matter out collection port 1308 while suctioning at least gasses
separated from the
flow of matter out suction port 1306. Separator 1300 is operated by suction
received from a
suction source. Separator with filter 1300 is further configured to filter
particles from gasses
suction from suction port 1306.
[00275] Separator with filter 1300 includes separator body 1302. Separator
body 1302
includes a cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical cavity. The cylindrical
wall includes a first
cylindrical cavity end and a second cylindrical cavity end. Separator body
1302 also forms a
conical cavity. The conical cavity has a wide end and a narrow end. The wide
end is mated
to the second cylindrical cavity end of separator body 1302. In some
embodiments, separator
body 1302 is configured to operate with the first cylindrical cavity end up.
Separator body
1302 is configured to allow gravity to pull at least liquid and solids
separated from a flow of
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matter out collection port 1308, while gasses separated from the flow of
matter are pulled by
suction out of suction port 1306.
[00276] Separator with filter 1300 includes input port 1304. Input port 1304
is configured
to receive a flow of matter. In some embodiments, input port 1304 may be
integral to
separator body 1302. Input port 1 304 may be disposed in the cylindrical
cavity wall. Input
port 1304 may be located off-axis from an axis defined by the longitudinal
center of the
cylindrical cavity. Input port 1304 may be configured to direct a flow of
matter along the
cylindrical cavity wall. By directing the flow of matter along the cylindrical
cavity wall,
liquids and gasses may cling to the wall of the cavity due to the effects of
centripetal forces.
The flow of matter may be induced into separator 1300 by suction received from
suction port
1306 by a suction or vacuum source.
[00277] Separator with filter 1300 includes suction port 1306. Suction port
1306 is
configured to couple to a suction source. In certain embodiments, the suction
source may
include a vacuum pump, aspirator, and/or a positive pressure operated suction
source such
as suction sources that take advantage of Venturi or Coanda effect. Suction
from a suction
source is transferred from suction port 1306 to input port 1304. Input port
1304 is configured
to receive a flow of matter. The flow of matter is pulled into input port 1304
by the pressure
difference between the ambient air pressure the lower pressure provided by the
suction
source. The flow of matter may include liquids, solids, and gasses, including
combinations
thereof in varying ratios Suction port 1 306 is disposed near the first
cylindrical cavity end.
Suction port 1306 provides suction received from a suction source for
operating separator
canister with filter 1300. In some embodiments, suction port 1306 may include
fittings
configured to attach tubing. For example, barbed or quick-disconnect type
fittings may be
used to couple tubing to suction port 1306. The tubing may be used to couple
suction port
1306 to a suction source or to an input port 1304 of another separator system.
[00278] Separator 1300 includes collection port 1308. Collection port 1308 is
configured
to expel at least liquids and solids. Collection port 1308 is disposed at the
narrow end of the
conical cavity of separator body 1302. In an embodiment, collection port 1308
may be
configured to couple to a collection canister. A collection canister may be
used to measure
the matter collected from separator 1300. A collection canister may also be
used for the safe
collection, transportation and disposal of waste received from separator with
filter 1300. In
some embodiments, collection port 1308 may be coupled to tubing or piping to
direct matter
to a waste drain. In some embodiments, collection port 1308 may include a
mounting ring
configured to form a seal between collection port 1308 to tubing or a
collection canister.
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[00279] Separator with filter 1300 includes baffle 1310. Baffle 1310 is
disposed between
input port 1304 and suction port 1306. Baffle 1310 is configured to prevent
liquids or solids
in the flow from being pulled directly from input port 1304 to suction port
1306 without
traversing at least a first portion of a circumference of the cylindrical wall
of separator body
1302. In some embodiments, baffle 1310 may include openings configured to
allow at least
gasses in a flow of matter to separate from liquids and solids that maybe
included in the
flow. Gasses may be pulled through baffle 1310 and out suction port 1306. In
an
embodiment, baffle 1310 may include a solid surface located proximal to input
port 1304.
The solid surface that may be included in baffle 1310 may be used to prevent
liquids and
solids in the flow from being pulled directly from input port 1304 to suction
port 1306 by
allowing time for gravity to act on the liquids and solids before they reach
an opening in
baffle 1310. By allowing time for gravity to act on the liquids and solids as
they traverse the
solid surface of baffle 1310, the liquids and solids can descend towards
collection port 1308
and thereby not be suctioned out of the suction port 1306.
[00280] Separator with filter 1300 includes vortex element 1312. Vortex
element 1312 is
configured to direct a flow of matter in a cyclonic flow. The cyclonic flow
and gravity may
cause liquids, solids and gasses included in the flow of matter to separate.
Vortex element
1312 includes a cylindrical central member disposed within the cylindrical
cavity of
separator body 1302. The cylindrical central member forms an annular cavity
between
vortex element 1312 and separator body 1302. Vortex element 1312 is configured
to allow
liquids and solids in the flow to pass through the annular cavity before
dropping out
collection port 1308. In an embodiment, vortex element 1312 may include a
tapered section
disposed in the conical cavity of separator body 1302. In an embodiment,
vortex element
1312 may include a plurality of cylindrical sections having different
diameters. The plurality
of cylindrical sections may include a first section that defines a first
portion of the annular
cavity and a second section that defines a second portion of the annular
cavity. The tapered
and cylindrical sections may be configured to direct the flow within separator
body 1302 in a
cyclonic flow pattern. In an embodiment, baffle 1310 may be integral to vortex
element
1312.
[00281] Separator with filter 1300 includes electric filter 1352. Electric
filter 1352 is
configured to use electrical charge to capture particles that may be included
in a flow exiting
suction port 1306. Electric filter 1352 may comprise a matrix of conductive
elements. In
some embodiments, the conductive elements may be iron, steel, copper or some
other
conductive element. In some embodiments, the matrix may be comprised of
stacked screens.
In some embodiments, the matrix may be comprised of entwined wire. Electric
filter 13552
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is coupled to filter controller 1354. Electric filter 1352 is configured to
receive power from
filter controller 1354.
[00282] Separator with filter 1300 includes filter controller 1354. Filter
controller 1354 is
configured to operate electric filter 1352 in such a manner as to collect
particles included in a
flow of matter using an electrical charge Filter controller 1354 is configured
to provide electric
filter 1352 power at a particular voltage level, current level and possibly
frequency. In some
embodiments, filter controller 1354 may be configured to provide direct
current. In some
embodiments, filter controller may include a microcontroller configured to
power electric filter
1352.
[00283] FIG. 13B is a block diagram illustrating separator with filter 1300.
In this
embodiment, separator with filter 1300 includes biological filter 1356 rather
than electric filter
1352.
[00284] Biological filter 1356 is configured to trap biological elements
possibly included in a
flow to be expelled from suction port 1306. Various embodiments of filter 1352
may be
configured to trap specific types of biological elements using different
operations.
[00285] Biological filter 1356 is disposed within separator body 1302.
Biological filter 1356
includes one or more filter inlet ports and one or more filter output ports.
The one or more filter
inlet ports are configured to receive a flow of matter from baffle 1310.
Elements comprising
biological filter 1356 are configured to trap biological elements possibly
contained in the flow
of matter and passes a filtrate to suction port 1306.
[00286] Biological filter 1356 may comprise mechanical, biological, chemical
or other types
of filters including any combination thereof to trap biological elements.
Mechanical filtration
may include physical barrier or filter media type filters including
combinations thereof.
[00287] Filters using a physical barrier or filter media retain biological
elements by
physically blocking the biological elements from passing through the filter
media. Filter media
mechanically or physically strains biological elements from the effluent
passing through it.
Filter media is available in a variety of materials and porosities, which may
be selected to limit
the size of biological elements they can extract. Combinations of different
materials and
porosities of filter media may be used to separate specific elements
comprising an effluent of
the collected matter and the gasses received via input port 11304 out suction
port 1306.
[00288] Biological filter 1356 may be configured to use living microorganisms,
such as
bacteria and fungi, to capture and biologically degrade pollutants, harmful
chemicals and other
undesirable content from an effluent. Biological filtration can be used with
gases and liquids.
Biological filters comprise a filter media on which beneficial microorganisms
grow. Biological
filter media can be made from sand, plastic, metals, ceramics and other
materials. Materials
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having a large surface area to volume ratio typically provide the best
performance in biological
filters.
[00289] Biological filter 1356 may be configured to use chemical filtration
media to removes
dissolved particulates from an effluent via activated carbons, resins, and
other adsorbents.
Chemical filtration media causes unwanted dissolved matter to adhere to it.
Two popular forms
of chemical media include activated carbon and resins. Activated carbon has
microscopic pores
that allow certain organic or inorganic materials to stick to them. Carbon
removes many
harmful elements from an effluent. Ion exchange resins work by attracting a
specific molecule
to adhere to them. Resins can be combined with carbon. The resins often
strengthen the filtering
ability of the carbon. Protein foam skimming or oxidation with ozone may also
be used for
chemical filtration.
[00290] FIG. 13C is a block diagram illustrating separator with filter 1300.
Separator with
filter 1300 is an embodiment of separator with filter 1300 which includes
electric filter 1352
and biological filter 1356. The elements included in FIG. 13C have been
previously described
in FIG. 13A and 13B. For the sake of brevity, these elements will not be
discussed further.
[00291] The system may comprise one of more filters. In some embodiments, the
one or
more filters is positioned within a surgical instrument, within a separator,
between a surgical
instrument and a separator, within a suction source, between a separator and a
suction source,
within a filtration unit, between a separator and a filtration unit, within a
canister, between a
separator and a canister, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the
one or more
filters may collect one or more solids. In some embodiments, the one or more
filters may
sample a portion of a flow of matter than comprises solids. In some
embodiments, the one or
more filters may substantially remove an entire portion of solids from a flow
of matter. In some
embodiments, the one or more filters may remove a portion, such as about 60%,
70%, 80%
90%, 95% or more, of solids from a flow of matter. In some embodiments, the
one or more
filters may separate solids by size. In some embodiments, the one or more
filters may remove
solids of a particular size from the flow of matter. In some embodiments, the
one or more solids
collected on the one or more filters are analyzed in a diagnostic laboratory.
In some
embodiments, the one or more solids is a bacterium, a bacterial fragment, a
bacterial particle, a
virus, a viral fragment, a viral particle, a cell, a cell fragment, a tissue
fragment, a non-
biological material such as polymeric fragments or metallic fragments, or any
combination
thereof.
[00292] In some embodiments, a pore size of the one or more filters is less
than about 500,
450, 400, 350, 300, 250, 200, 150, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 9,
8, 7, 6, 5,4, 3,2, 1,
0.5, 0.25 microns or less. In some embodiments, a pore size of one or more
filters is less than
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about 500 microns. In some embodiments, a pore size of one or more filters is
less than about
400 microns. In some embodiments, a pore size of one or more filters is less
than about 300
microns. In some embodiments, a pore size of one or more filters is less than
about 200
microns. In some embodiments, a pore size of one or more filters is less than
about 100
microns. In some embodiments, a pore size of one or more filters is less than
about 75 microns.
In some embodiments, a pore size of one or more filters is less than about 50
microns. In some
embodiments, a pore size of one or more filters is less than about 25 microns.
In some
embodiments, a pore size of one or more filters is less than about 10 microns.
In some
embodiments, a pore size of one or more filters is less than about 5 microns.
In some
embodiments, a pore size of one or more filters is less than about 1 micron.
In some
embodiments, a pore size of one or more filters is less than about 0.5 micron.
In some
embodiments, a pore size of one or more filters is less than about 0.25
micron.
[00293] The system may comprise one or more charged matrices, such as one or
more
positively charged matrices, one or more negatively charged matrices, or any
combination
thereof. The one or more charged matrices are operatively coupled to the
surgical instrument,
the separator, the suction source, or any combination thereof The one or more
charged matrices
are operative coupled to a suction port of the separator. The one or more
charged matrices may
surround a portion of the suction port or a portion of the tubing operatively
coupled to the
suction port, such as 25%, 50%, 75%, 90% or more surrounded.
[00294] The one or more positively charged matrices is hydrogen, sodium,
potassium,
lithium, rubidium, cesium, copper, silver, ammonium, calcium, barium,
magnesium, zinc, iron,
cobalt, manganese, aluminum, or any combination thereof. The one or more
positively charged
matrices are Fe2+ or Fe3+ or a combination thereof. The one or more negatively
charged
matrices is chloride, bromide, iodide, hydroxide, nitrate, nitrite,
hydrogencarbonate,
hydrogensulphate, sulphate, sulphite, sulphide, oxide, carbonate, copper,
phosphate, or any
combination thereof
[00295] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating separator canister system
1400. In operation,
separator canister system 1400 is configured to separate liquids, solids and
gasses in a flow of
matter. Separator canister system 1400 ejects liquids and solids separated
from the flow of
matter out collection port 1408 while suctioning at least gasses separated
from the flow of
matter out suction port 1406. Separator canister system 1400 is operated by
suction received
from a suction source. It should be understood that the terms "suction" and
"vacuum" as used
herein refer to a pressure below the surrounding ambient air pressure.
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[00296] In some embodiments, separator canister system 1400 includes separator
body 1402,
input port 1404, suction port 1406, collection port 1408, baffle 1410, vortex
element 1412 and
collection canister 1414.
[00297] Separator body 1402 includes a cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical
cavity. The
cylindrical wall includes a first cylindrical cavity end and a second
cylindrical cavity end
Separator body 1402 also forms a conical cavity. The conical cavity has a wide
end and a
narrow end. The wide end is mated to the second cylindrical cavity end of
separator body 1402.
In some embodiments, separator body 1402 is configured to operate with the
first cylindrical
cavity end up. Separator body 1402 is configured to allow gravity to pull at
least liquid and
solids separated from a flow of matter out collection port 1408, while gasses
separated from the
flow of matter are pulled by suction out of suction port 1406.
[00298] Separator body 1402 is configured to be integrated with collection
canister 1414.
Collection canister 1414 may represent a canister or a lid for a canister. In
some embodiments,
separator body 1402 may be integrated into the interior of collection canister
1414. In some
embodiments, separator body 1402 may be integrated into a lid for collection
canister 1414. In
some embodiments, separator body 1402 and collection canister 1414 may be a
single article of
manufacture. In some embodiments, separator body 1402 may be configured to
couple to
canister 1414. For some forms of manufacturing, it may be desirable to
manufacture separator
body 1402 from a different process than used for collection canister 1414 and
integrate the
separator body 1402 and collection canister 1414 as part of an assembly
process.
[00299] Input port 1404 is configured to receive a flow of matter. In some
embodiments,
input port 1404 may be integral to separator body 1402. Input port 1404 may be
disposed in the
cylindrical cavity wall. Input port 1404 may be located off-axis from an axis
defined by the
longitudinal center of the cylindrical cavity. Input port 1404 may be
configured to direct a flow
of matter along the cylindrical cavity wall. By directing the flow of matter
along the cylindrical
cavity wall, liquids and gasses may cling to the wall of the cavity due to the
effects of
centripetal forces. The flow of matter may be induced into separator canister
system 1400 by
suction received from suction port 1406 by a suction or vacuum source.
[00300] Suction port 1406 is configured to couple to a suction source. In
certain
embodiments, the suction source may include a vacuum pump, aspirator, and/or a
positive
pressure operated suction source ___________________________________ such as
suction sources that take advantage of Venturi or
Coanda effect. Suction from a suction source is transferred from suction port
1406 to input port
1404. Input port 1404 is configured to receive a flow of matter. The flow of
matter is pulled
into input port 1404 by the pressure difference between the ambient air
pressure the lower
pressure provided by the suction source. The flow of matter may include
liquids, solids, and
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gasses, including combinations thereof in varying ratios. Suction port 1406 is
disposed near the
first cylindrical cavity end. Suction port 1406 provides suction received from
a suction source
for operating separator canister system 1400. In some embodiments, suction
port 1406 may
include fittings configured to attach tubing. For example, barbed or quick-
disconnect type
fittings may be used to couple tubing to suction port 1406. The tubing may be
used to couple
suction port 1406 to a suction source or to an input port 1404 of another
separator system.
[00301] Collection port 1408 is configured to expel at least liquids and
solids. Collection port
1408 is disposed at the narrow end of the conical cavity of separator body
1402. Collection port
1408 is configured to expel at least liquids and solids into collection
canister 1414. Collection
canister 1414 may be used to measure the matter collected from separator
canister system 1400.
Collection canister 1414 may also be used for the safe collection,
transportation and disposal of
waste received from collection port 1408.
[00302] Baffle 1410 is disposed between input port 1404 and suction port 1406.
Baffle 1410
is configured to prevent liquids or solids in the flow from being pulled
directly from input port
1404 to suction port 1406 without traversing at least a first portion of a
circumference of the
cylindrical wall of separator body 1402. In some embodiments, baffle 1410 may
include
openings configured to allow at least gasses in a flow of matter to separate
from liquids and
solids that maybe included in the flow. Gasses may be pulled through baffle
1410 and out
suction port 1406. In an embodiment, baffle 1410 may include a solid surface
located proximal
to input port 1404. The solid surface that may be included in baffle 1410 may
be used to
prevent liquids and solids in the flow from being pulled directly from input
port 1404 to suction
port 1406 by allowing time for gravity to act on the liquids and solids before
they reach an
opening in baffle 1410. By allowing time for gravity to act on the liquids and
solids as they
traverse the solid surface of baffle 1410, the liquids and solids can descend
towards collection
port 108 and thereby not be suctioned out of the suction port 1406.
[00303] Vortex element 1412 is configured to direct a flow of matter in a
cyclonic flow. The
cyclonic flow and gravity may cause liquids, solids and gasses included in the
flow of matter to
separate. Vortex element 1412 includes a cylindrical central member disposed
within the
cylindrical cavity of separator body 1402. The cylindrical central member
forms an annular
cavity between vortex element 1412 and separator body 1402. Vortex element
1412 is
configured to allow liquids and solids in the flow to pass through the annular
cavity before
dropping out collection port 1408. In an embodiment, vortex element 1412 may
include a
tapered section disposed in the conical cavity of separator body 1402. In an
embodiment, vortex
element 1412 may include a plurality of cylindrical sections having different
diameters. The
plurality of cylindrical sections may include a first section that defines a
first portion of the
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annular cavity and a second section that defines a second portion of the
annular cavity. The
tapered and cylindrical sections may be configured to direct the flow within
separator body
1402 in a cyclonic flow pattern. In an embodiment, baffle 1410 may be integral
to vortex
element 1412. In an embodiment, vortex element 1412 may include a lumen
disposed within
the cylindrical central member configured to allow at least gasses to pass
through vortex
element 1412 to suction port 1406.
[00304] Collection canister 1414 represents any portion of a collection
canister. For example,
collection canister 1414 may be a canister, canister wall, a lid or some other
portion of a
collection canister. Collection canister 1414 is configured to receive matter
from collection port
1408. Collection canister 1414 may be used to measure the volume of matter
received from
collection port 1408. Collection canister 1414 may be used for the safe
collection,
transportation and disposal of collected waste.
[00305] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating separator 1500. In operation,
separator 1500
is configured to separate liquids, solids and gasses in a flow of matter.
Separator 1500 ejects
liquids and solids separated from the flow of matter out collection port 1508
while suctioning at
least gasses separated from the flow of matter out suction port 1506.
Separator 1500 is operated
by suction received from a suction source. It should be understood that the
terms "suction" and
"vacuum" as used herein refer to a pressure below the surrounding ambient air
pressure.
[00306] In some embodiments, separator 1500 includes separator body 1502,
input port 1504,
suction port 1506, collection port 1508, baffle 1510 and vortex element 1512.
[00307] Separator body 1502 includes a cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical
cavity. The
cylindrical wall includes a first cylindrical cavity end and a second
cylindrical cavity end.
Separator body 1502 also forms a conical cavity. The conical cavity has a wide
end and a
narrow end. The wide end is mated to the second cylindrical cavity end of
separator body 1502.
In some embodiments, separator body 1502 is configured to operate with the
first cylindrical
cavity end up. Separator body 1502 is configured to allow gravity to pull at
least liquid and
solids separated from a flow of matter out collection port 1508, while gasses
separated from the
flow of matter are pulled by suction out of suction port 1506.
[00308] Input port 1504 is configured to receive a flow of matter. In some
embodiments,
input port 1504 may be integral to separator body 1502. Input port 1504 may be
disposed in the
cylindrical cavity wall. Input port 1504 may be located off-axis from an axis
defined by the
longitudinal center of the cylindrical cavity. Input port 1504 may be
configured to direct a flow
of matter along the cylindrical cavity wall. By directing the flow of matter
along the cylindrical
cavity wall, liquids and gasses may cling to the wall of the cavity due to the
effects of
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centripetal forces. The flow of matter may be induced into separator 1500 by
suction received
from suction port 1506 by a suction or vacuum source.
[00309] Input port 1504 includes angle 1560. Angle 1560 represents an angle
between a
longitudinal axis located at the center in input port 1504 and a longitudinal
axis located at the
center of separator body 1502. In some embodiments, angle 1560 may equal 90 .
In some
embodiments, angle 1560 may be an acute angle. When angle 1560 is an acute
angle, a flow of
matter entering input port 1504 is directed away from baffle 1510 and towards
collection port
1508. Angle 1560 may improve the operating efficiency of separator 1500 by
directing the flow
of matter. Angle 1560 may prevent liquids and solids from exiting suction port
1506 without
first traversing at least a portion of an inner circumference of separator
body 1502.
[00310] Suction port 1506 is configured to couple to a suction source. In
certain
embodiments, the suction source may include a vacuum pump, aspirator, and/or a
positive
pressure operated suction source¨such as suction sources that take advantage
of Venturi or
Coanda effect. Suction from a suction source is transferred from suction port
1506 to input port
1504. Input port 1504 is configured to receive a flow of matter. The flow of
matter is pulled
into input port 1504 by the pressure difference between the ambient air
pressure the lower
pressure provided by the suction source. The flow of matter may include
liquids, solids, and
gasses, including combinations thereof in varying ratios. Suction port 1506 is
disposed near the
first cylindrical cavity end. Suction port 1506 provides suction received from
a suction source
for operating separator 1500 In some embodiments, suction port 1506 may
include fittings
configured to attach tubing. For example, barbed or quick-disconnect type
fittings may be used
to couple tubing to suction port 1506. The tubing may be used to couple
suction port 1506 to a
suction source or to an input port 1504 of another separator system.
[00311] Collection port 1508 is configured to expel at least liquids and
solids. Collection port
1508 is disposed at the narrow end of the conical cavity of separator body
1502. In an
embodiment, collection port 1508 may be configured to couple to a collection
canister. A
collection canister may be used to measure the matter collected from separator
1500. A
collection canister may also be used for the safe collection, transportation
and disposal of waste
received from separator 1500. In some embodiments, collection port 1508 may be
coupled to
tubing or piping to direct matter to a waste drain. In some embodiments,
collection port 1508
may include a mounting ring configured to form a seal between collection port
1508 to tubing
or a collection canister.
[00312] Baffle 1510 is disposed between input port 1504 and suction port 1506.
Baffle 1510
is configured to prevent liquids or solids in the flow from being pulled
directly from input port
1504 to suction port 1506 without traversing at least a first portion of a
circumference of the
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cylindrical wall of separator body 1502. In some embodiments, baffle 1510 may
include
openings configured to allow at least gasses in a flow of matter to separate
from liquids and
solids that maybe included in the flow. Gasses may be pulled through baffle
1510 and out
suction port 1506. In an embodiment, baffle 1510 may include a solid surface
located proximal
to input port 1504. The solid surface that may be included in baffle 1510 may
be used to
prevent liquids and solids in the flow from being pulled directly from input
port 1504 to suction
port 1506 by allowing time for gravity to act on the liquids and solids before
they reach an
opening in baffle 1510. By allowing time for gravity to act on the liquids and
solids as they
traverse the solid surface of baffle 1510, the liquids and solids can descend
towards collection
port 1508 and thereby not be suctioned out of the suction port 1506.
[00313] Vortex element 1512 is configured to direct a flow of matter in a
cyclonic flow. The
cyclonic flow and gravity may cause liquids, solids and gasses included in the
flow of matter to
separate. Vortex element 1512 includes a cylindrical central member disposed
within the
cylindrical cavity of separator body 1502. The cylindrical central member
forms an annular
cavity between vortex element 1512 and separator body 1502. Vortex element
1512 is
configured to allow liquids and solids in the flow to pass through the annular
cavity before
dropping out collection port 1508. In an embodiment, vortex element 1512 may
include a
tapered section disposed in the conical cavity of separator body 1502. In an
embodiment, vortex
element 1512 may include a plurality of cylindrical sections having different
diameters. The
plurality of cylindrical sections may include a first section that defines a
first portion of the
annular cavity and a second section that defines a second portion of the
annular cavity. The
tapered and cylindrical sections may be configured to direct the flow within
separator body
1502 in a cyclonic flow pattern. In an embodiment, baffle 1510 may be integral
to vortex
element 1512. In some embodiments, vortex element 1512 may include a lumen
disposed in the
cylindrical central member configured to allow at least gasses to pass through
vortex element
1512 to suction port 1506.
[00314] FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating separator 1600. In operation,
separator 1600
is configured to separate liquids, solids and gasses in a flow of matter.
Separator 1600 ejects
liquids and solids separated from the flow of matter out collection port 1608
while suctioning at
least gasses separated from the flow of matter out suction port 1606.
Separator 1600 is operated
by suction received from a suction source. It should be understood that the
terms "suction" and
"vacuum" as used herein refer to a pressure below the surrounding ambient air
pressure.
[00315] In some embodiments, separator 1600 includes separator body 1602,
input port 1604,
suction port 1606, collection port 1608, helical baffle 1610 and vortex
element 1612.
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[00316] Separator body 1602 includes a cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical
cavity. The
cylindrical wall includes a first cylindrical cavity end and a second
cylindrical cavity end.
Separator body 1602 also forms a conical cavity. The conical cavity has a wide
end and a
narrow end. The wide end is mated to the second cylindrical cavity end of
separator body 1602.
In some embodiments, separator body 1602 is configured to operate with the
first cylindrical
cavity end up. Separator body 1602 is configured to allow gravity to pull at
least liquid and
solids separated from a flow of matter out collection port 1608, while gasses
separated from the
flow of matter are pulled by suction out of suction port 1606.
[00317] Input port 1604 is configured to receive a flow of matter. In some
embodiments,
input port 1604 may be integral to separator body 1602. Input port 1604 may be
disposed in the
cylindrical cavity wall. Input port 1604 may be located off-axis from an axis
defined by the
longitudinal center of the cylindrical cavity. Input port 1604 may be
configured to direct a flow
of matter along the cylindrical cavity wall. By directing the flow of matter
along the cylindrical
cavity wall, liquids and gasses may cling to the wall of the cavity due to the
effects of
centripetal forces. The flow of matter may be induced into separator 1600 by
suction received
from suction port 1606 by a suction or vacuum source.
[00318] Suction port 1606 is configured to couple to a suction source. In
certain
embodiments, the suction source may include a vacuum pump, aspirator, and/or a
positive
pressure operated suction source¨such as suction sources that take advantage
of Venturi or
Coanda effect. Suction from a suction source is transferred from suction port
1606 to input port
1604. Input port 1604 is configured to receive a flow of matter. The flow of
matter is pulled
into input port 1604 by the pressure difference between the ambient air
pressure the lower
pressure provided by the suction source. The flow of matter may include
liquids, solids, and
gasses, including combinations thereof in varying ratios. Suction port 1606 is
disposed near the
first cylindrical cavity end. Suction port 1606 provides suction received from
a suction source
for operating separator 1600. In some embodiments, suction port 1606 may
include fittings
configured to attach tubing. For example, barbed or quick-disconnect type
fittings may be used
to couple tubing to suction port 1606. The tubing may be used to couple
suction port 1606 to a
suction source or to an input port 1604 of another separator system.
[00319] Collection port 1608 is configured to expel at least liquids and
solids. Collection port
1608 is disposed at the narrow end of the conical cavity of separator body
1602. In an
embodiment, collection port 1608 may be configured to couple to a collection
canister. A
collection canister may be used to measure the matter collected from separator
1600. A
collection canister may also be used for the safe collection, transportation
and disposal of waste
received from separator 1600. In some embodiments, collection port 1608 may be
coupled to
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tubing or piping to direct matter to a waste drain. In some embodiments,
collection port 1608
may include a mounting ring configured to form a seal between collection port
1608 to tubing
or a collection canister.
[00320] Helical baffle 1610 is disposed between input port 1604 and suction
port 1606.
Helical baffle 1610 is configured to prevent liquids or solids in the flow
from being pulled
directly from input port 1604 to suction port 1606 without traversing at least
a first portion of a
circumference of the cylindrical wall of separator body 1602. Helical baffle
1610 includes a
helical portion with a start point near input port 1604 and an end point below
input port 1604.
The helical portion of helical baffle 1610 prevents a flow of matter traveling
within separator
body 1602 from intersecting with a flow of matter entering input port 1604.
Helical baffle 1610
may include a second baffle disposed above input port 1604. In some
embodiments, the second
baffle may include openings configured to allow at least gasses in a flow of
matter to separate
from liquids and solids that maybe included in the flow. In an embodiment, the
second baffle
may include a solid surface located proximal to input port 1604. The solid
surface that may be
included in the second baffle may be used to prevent liquids and solids in the
flow from being
pulled directly from input port 1604 to suction port 1606 by allowing time for
gravity to act on
the liquids and solids before they reach an opening in the second baffle. By
allowing time for
gravity to act on the liquids and solids as they traverse the solid surface of
the second baffle, the
liquids and solids can descend towards collection port 1608 and thereby not be
suctioned out of
the suction port 1606.
[00321] Vortex element 1612 is configured to direct a flow of matter in a
cyclonic flow. The
cyclonic flow and gravity may cause liquids, solids and gasses included in the
flow of matter to
separate. Vortex element 1612 includes a cylindrical central member disposed
within the
cylindrical cavity of separator body 1602. The cylindrical central member
forms an annular
cavity between vortex element 1612 and separator body 1602. Vortex element
1612 is
configured to allow liquids and solids in the flow to pass through the annular
cavity before
dropping out collection port 1608. In an embodiment, vortex element 1612 may
include a
tapered section disposed in the conical cavity of separator body 1602. In an
embodiment, vortex
element 1612 may include a plurality of cylindrical sections having different
diameters. The
plurality of cylindrical sections may include a first section that defines a
first portion of the
annular cavity and a second section that defines a second portion of the
annular cavity. The
tapered and cylindrical sections may be configured to direct the flow within
separator body
1602 in a cyclonic flow pattern. In an embodiment, baffle 1610 may be integral
to vortex
element 1612. In some embodiments, vortex element 1612 may include a lumen
passing
through the center configured to allow at least gasses to be evacuated via
suction port 1606. In
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an embodiment, vortex element 1612 may include a lumen disposed within the
cylindrical
central member configured to allow at least gasses to pass through vortex
element 1612 to
suction port 1606.
[00322] FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating separator system 1700. In
operation, separator
system 1700 is configured to separate liquids, solids and gasses in a flow of
matter. Separator
system 1700 ejects liquids and solids separated from the flow of matter out
collection port 1708
while suctioning at least gasses separated from the flow of matter out suction
port 1706. Tissue
trap 1762 is configured to collect solids that may be included in a flow
received from collection
port 1706. Tissue trap 1762 is configured to allow liquids to pass through to
collection canister
1714. Separator system 1700 is operated by suction received from a suction
source. It should be
understood that the terms "suction" and "vacuum" as used herein refer to a
pressure below the
surrounding ambient air pressure.
[00323] In some embodiments, separator system 1700 includes separator body
1702, input
port 1704, suction port 1706, collection port 1708, baffle 1710, vortex
element 1712, collection
canister 1714 and tissue trap 1762.
[00324] Separator body 1702 includes a cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical
cavity. The
cylindrical wall includes a first cylindrical cavity end and a second
cylindrical cavity end.
Separator body 1702 also forms a conical cavity. The conical cavity has a wide
end and a
narrow end. The wide end is mated to the second cylindrical cavity end of
separator body 1702.
In some embodiments, separator body 1702 is configured to operate with the
first cylindrical
cavity end up. Separator body 1702 is configured to allow gravity to pull at
least liquid and
solids separated from a flow of matter out collection port 1708, while gasses
separated from the
flow of matter are pulled by suction out of suction port 1706.
[00325] Input port 1704 is configured to receive a flow of matter. In some
embodiments,
input port 1704 may be integral to separator body 1702. Input port 1704 may be
disposed in the
cylindrical cavity wall. Input port 1704 may be located off-axis from an axis
defined by the
longitudinal center of the cylindrical cavity. Input port 1704 may be
configured to direct a flow
of matter along the cylindrical cavity wall. By directing the flow of matter
along the cylindrical
cavity wall, liquids and gasses may cling to the wall of the cavity due to the
effects of
centripetal forces. The flow of matter may be induced into separator system
1700 by suction
received from suction port 1706 by a suction or vacuum source.
[00326] Suction port 1706 is configured to couple to a suction source. In
certain
embodiments, the suction source may include a vacuum pump, aspirator, and/or a
positive
pressure operated suction source¨such as suction sources that take advantage
of Venturi or
Coanda effect. Suction from a suction source is transferred from suction port
1706 to input port
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1704. Input port 1704 is configured to receive a flow of matter. The flow of
matter is pulled
into input port 1704 by the pressure difference between the ambient air
pressure the lower
pressure provided by the suction source. The flow of matter may include
liquids, solids, and
gasses, including combinations thereof in varying ratios. Suction port 1706 is
disposed near the
first cylindrical cavity end. Suction port 1706 provides suction received from
a suction source
for operating separator system 1700. In some embodiments, suction port 1706
may include
fittings configured to attach tubing. For example, barbed or quick-disconnect
type fittings may
be used to couple tubing to suction port 1706. The tubing may be used to
couple suction port
1706 to a suction source or to an input port 1704 of another separator system.
[00327] Collection port 1708 is configured to expel at least liquids and
solids separated from
a flow of matter received by input port 1704. Collection port 1708 is disposed
near the narrow
end of the conical cavity of separator body 1702. Collection port 1708 is
coupled to tissue trap
1762.
[00328] Baffle 1710 is disposed between input port 1704 and suction port 1706.
Baffle 1710
is configured to prevent liquids or solids in the flow from being pulled
directly from input port
1704 to suction port 1706 without traversing at least a first portion of a
circumference of the
cylindrical wall of separator body 1702. In some embodiments, baffle 1710 may
include
openings configured to allow at least gasses in a flow of matter to separate
from liquids and
solids that maybe included in the flow. Gasses may be pulled through baffle
1710 and out
suction port 1706. In an embodiment, baffle 1710 may include a solid surface
located proximal
to input port 1704. The solid surface that may be included in baffle 1710 may
be used to
prevent liquids and solids in the flow from being pulled directly from input
port 1704 to suction
port 1706 by allowing time for gravity to act on the liquids and solids before
they reach an
opening in baffle 1710. By allowing time for gravity to act on the liquids and
solids as they
traverse the solid surface of baffle 1710, the liquids and solids can descend
towards collection
port 1708 and thereby not be suctioned out of the suction port 1706.
[00329] Vortex element 1712 is configured to direct a flow of matter in a
cyclonic flow. The
cyclonic flow and gravity may cause liquids, solids and gasses included in the
flow of matter to
separate. Vortex element 1712 includes a cylindrical central member disposed
within the
cylindrical cavity of separator body 1702. The cylindrical central member
forms an annular
cavity between vortex element 1712 and separator body 1702. Vortex element
1712 is
configured to allow liquids and solids in the flow to pass through the annular
cavity before
dropping out collection port 1708. In an embodiment, vortex element 1712 may
include a
tapered section disposed in the conical cavity of separator body 1702. In an
embodiment, vortex
element 1712 may include a plurality of cylindrical sections having different
diameters. The
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plurality of cylindrical sections may include a first section that defines a
first portion of the
annular cavity and a second section that defines a second portion of the
annular cavity. The
tapered and cylindrical sections may be configured to direct the flow within
separator body
1702 in a cyclonic flow pattern. In an embodiment, baffle 1710 may be integral
to vortex
element 1712. In an embodiment, vortex element 1712 may include a lumen
disposed in the
cylindrical central member configured to allow at least gasses to pass through
the lumen to
suction port 1706.
[00330] Collection canister 1714 is configured to receive waste from separator
1702. The
waste may include at least liquids and solids separated from a flow of matter
received at input
port 1704. Collection canister 1714 may be used to measure the amount of
liquids and/or solids
separated from the flow of matter received at input port 1704. Collection
canister 1714 may be
configured to permit the safe collection, transportation and disposal of
waste. In some
embodiments, collection canister 1714 may include a valve configured to
activate when
collection canister 1714 is filled to a pre-determined volume. The valve may
be used to prevent
waste from leaving collection canister 1714. In some embodiments, collection
canister 1714
may include a commercially available collection canister.
[00331] Tissue trap 1762 is configured to trap solids that may be included in
a combined flow
expelled from collection port 1706. Liquids included in the combined flow are
allowed to pass
through tissue trap 1762 to collection canister 1714. The solids may include
tissue, blood clots,
foreign objects or other solid forms of matter. Tissue trap 1762 includes a
means for mechanical
filtration of solids that may be included in a combined flow expelled from
collection port 1706.
Solids collected by tissue trap 1762 may be saved for analysis or safely
disposed of.
[00332] FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating separator with check valve
1800. In
operation, separator with check valve 1800 is configured to separate liquids,
solids and gasses
in a flow of matter. Separator with check valve 1800 ejects liquids and solids
separated from
the flow of matter out collection port 1808 while suctioning at least gasses
separated from the
flow of matter out suction port 1806. Separator with check valve 1800 is
operated by suction
received from a suction source. It should be understood that the teims
"suction" and "vacuum"
as used herein refer to a pressure below the surrounding ambient air pressure.
Separator with
check valve is configured to prevent a flow of matter from passing through
suction port 1806
when check valve 1864 is activated.
[00333] In some embodiments, separator with check valve 1800 includes
separator body
1802, input port 1804, suction port 1806, collection port 1808, baffle 1810,
vortex element
1812 and check valve 1864.
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[00334] Separator body 1802 includes a cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical
cavity. The
cylindrical wall includes a first cylindrical cavity end and a second
cylindrical cavity end.
Separator body 1802 also forms a conical cavity. The conical cavity has a wide
end and a
narrow end. The wide end is mated to the second cylindrical cavity end of
separator body 1802.
In some embodiments, separator body 1802 is configured to operate with the
first cylindrical
cavity end up. Separator body 102 is configured to allow gravity to pull at
least liquid and
solids separated from a flow of matter out collection port 1808, while gasses
separated from the
flow of matter are pulled by suction out of suction port 1806.
[00335] Input port 1804 is configured to receive a flow of matter. In some
embodiments,
input port 1804 may be integral to separator body 1802. Input port 1804 may be
disposed in the
cylindrical cavity wall. Input port 1804 may be located off-axis from an axis
defined by the
longitudinal center of the cylindrical cavity. Input port 1804 may be
configured to direct a flow
of matter along the cylindrical cavity wall. By directing the flow of matter
along the cylindrical
cavity wall, liquids and gasses may cling to the wall of the cavity due to the
effects of
centripetal forces. The flow of matter may be induced into separator with
check valve 1800 by
suction received from suction port 1806 by a suction or vacuum source.
[00336] Suction port 1806 is configured to couple to a suction source. In
certain
embodiments, the suction source may include a vacuum pump, aspirator, and/or a
positive
pressure operated suction source¨such as suction sources that take advantage
of Venturi or
Coanda effect. Suction from a suction source is transferred from suction port
1806 to input port
1804. Suction port 1806 is disposed near the first cylindrical cavity end.
Suction port 1806
provides suction received from a suction source for operating separator with
check valve 1800.
In some embodiments, suction port 1806 may include fittings configured to
attach tubing. For
example, barbed or quick-disconnect type fittings may be used to couple tubing
to suction port
1806. The tubing may be used to couple suction port 1806 to a suction source
or to an input port
1804 of another separator.
[00337] Collection port 1808 is configured to expel at least liquids and
solids. Collection port
1808 is disposed near the narrow end of the conical cavity of separator body
1802. In an
embodiment, collection port 1808 may be configured to couple to a collection
canister. A
collection canister may be used to measure the matter collected from separator
with check valve
1800. A collection canister may also be used for the safe collection,
transportation and disposal
of waste received from separator with check valve 1800. In some embodiments,
collection port
1808 may be coupled to tubing or piping to direct matter to a waste drain. In
some
embodiments, collection port 1808 may include a mounting ring configured to
form a seal
between collection port 1808 to tubing or a collection canister.
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[00338] Baffle 1810 is configured to prevent liquids or solids in the flow
from being pulled
directly from input port 1804 to suction port 1806 without traversing at least
a first portion of a
circumference of the cylindrical wall of separator body 1802. Baffle 1810 is
disposed between
input port 1804 and suction port 1806. In some embodiments, baffle 1810 may
include
openings configured to allow at least gasses in a flow of matter to separate
from liquids and
solids that maybe included in the flow. Gasses may be pulled through baffle
1810 and out
suction port 1806. In an embodiment, baffle 1810 may include a solid surface
located proximal
to input port 1804. The solid surface that may be included in baffle 1810 may
be used to
prevent liquids and solids in the flow from being pulled directly from input
port 1804 to suction
port 1806 by allowing time for gravity to act on the liquids and solids before
they reach an
opening in baffle 1810. By allowing time for gravity to act on the liquids and
solids as they
traverse the solid surface of baffle 1810, the liquids and solids can descend
towards collection
port 1808 and thereby not be suctioned out of the suction port 1806.
[00339] Vortex element 1812 is configured to direct a flow of matter in a
cyclonic flow. The
cyclonic flow and gravity may cause liquids, solids and gasses included in the
flow of matter to
separate. Vortex element 1812 includes a cylindrical central member disposed
within the
cylindrical cavity of separator body 1802. The cylindrical central member
forms an annular
cavity between vortex element 1812 and separator body 1802. Vortex element
1812 is
configured to allow liquids and solids in the flow to pass through the annular
cavity before
dropping out collection port 1808. In an embodiment, vortex element 1812 may
include a
tapered section disposed in the conical cavity of separator body 1802. In an
embodiment, vortex
element 1812 may include a plurality of cylindrical sections having different
diameters. The
plurality of cylindrical sections may include a first section that defines a
first portion of the
annular cavity and a second section that defines a second portion of the
annular cavity. The
tapered and cylindrical sections may be configured to direct the flow within
separator body
1802 in a cyclonic flow pattern. In an embodiment, baffle 1810 may be integral
to vortex
element 1812. In an embodiment, vortex element 1812 may include a lumen
disposed in the
cylindrical central member to allow at least gasses to be pulled through the
cylindrical central
member and out suction port 1806.
[00340] Check valve 1864 is configured to prevent matter from passing through
suction port
1806 when activated. Some events that may activate check valve 1864 include: a
collection
canister filling to a predetermined volume, a blockage of collection port
1808, liquids flowing
directly from input port 1804 to suction port 1806 or some other event wherein
it becomes
undesirable for matter to pass through suction port 1806. In some embodiments,
check valve
1864 may comprise a spring-operate valve. In some embodiments, check valve
1864 may
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include a floating member that activates when liquids fill separator body 1802
to a
predetermined level. In some embodiments, check valve 1864 may include a
diaphragm-
operated valve. In some embodiments, check valve 1864 may include a shuttle
valve.
[00341] The flow of matter may comprise a gas, a liquid, a solid, or any
combination thereof.
The flow of matter may comprise one or more gases The flow of matter may
comprise one or
more liquids. The flow of matter may comprise one or more solids. The flow of
matter may
comprise biological material, such as blood, extracellular fluid, lymph fluid,
urine, bile, semen,
fecal matter, sweat, cells, cell fragments, tissues, tissue fragments or
particulates, amniotic
fluid, aqueous humour, vitreous humour, bile, breast milk, cerebrospinal
fluid, chyle, exudates,
gastric juice, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid, pus, rheum,
saliva, sebum, serous
fluid, sputum, synovial fluid, tears, vomit, or others. The flow of matter may
comprise a salt
solution, saline, an electrolyte-based fluid, sugar-containing fluids, or
carbon dioxide gas. The
flow of matter may comprise surgical waste, such as lavage fluids. The flow of
matter may
comprise gases, liquids, or solids generated from a surgical procedure.
[00342] One or more components of the system are disposable. One or more
surgical
instruments, one or more flow separation devices, one or more canisters, or
any combination
thereof is disposable. A surgical instrument is disposable. A flow separation
device is
disposable. A canister is disposable.
[00343] One or more components of the system are suitable for more than a
single use. One
or more surgical instruments, one or more flow separation devices, one or more
canisters, or
any combination thereof is suitable for more than a single use A surgical
instrument is suitable
for more than a single use. A flow separation device is suitable for more than
a single use. A
canister is suitable for more than a single use.
[00344] One or more components of the system are sterilized. One or more
surgical
instruments, one or more flow separation devices, one or more canisters, or
any combination
thereof is sterilized. A surgical instrument is sterilized. A flow separation
device is sterilized. A
canister is sterilized.
[00345] FIG. 19 shows a separator 1902 as an element of a surgical system
1900. In some
embodiments, surgical system 1900 comprises suction source 1916, tubing 1936,
separator
1902, canister 1914, tubing 1930, and suction attachment 1946.
[00346] In system 1900 a suction source 1916 applies suction to a separator
1902 as
described herein. The suction provided by the suction source 1916 facilitates
separation of a gas
from a solid and/or liquid suction flow within the separator 1902 as described
herein. In some
embodiments, the gas comprises surgical smoke generated by an electrocautery
instrument. In
some embodiments, surgical smoke that is separated with separator 1902 is
evacuated into a
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trap. In some embodiments, surgical smoke that is separated with separator
1902 is passed
through a filter or series of filters configured to trap toxic particles and
or biological elements
(e.g. viruses) within the smoke. Suction attachment 1946 may comprise, for
example, a suction
tip such as for example, a Yankauer tip. Suction attachment 1946 is used by a
surgeon to
suction material from a surgical field which includes, for example, blood,
fat, pus, irrigation
fluid, bone, surgical smoke, and other similar organic and inorganic
materials. Materials
suctioned from the surgical field are transmitted to the separator 1902
through input tubing
1930. As described herein, the material suctioned through the surgical suction
instrument is
separated in the separator 1902 so that a gas (e.g. surgical smoke) is drawn
out through the top
of the separator 1902 and any liquid and/or solid material is drawn by gravity
(and/or suction)
into the canister 1914. It should be understood that while one canister and
separator are shown,
surgical system 1900 may also be configured for use with two or more
separators either in
series or in parallel as described herein.
[00347] A system may comprise a surgical instrument, a suction source, and one
or more
separators. The one or more separators may be operatively connected in series,
such as
connected via tubing. In some cases, the system may also comprise collection
canisters
attachable to each of the one or more separators. In some cases, at least one
of the one or more
separators comprises a canister formed therein. A system comprising one or
more separators in
series may permit filling a volume of a first canister in the series with a
liquid of the flow of
matter followed by filling a volume of a second canister in the series with a
liquid of the flow of
matter followed by filling a volume of a third canister in the series and so
on.
[00348] A second canister may not be filled with a liquid from the flow of
matter until at least
a portion of the volume of the first canister is filled. A third canister may
not be filled with a
liquid until at least a portion of the volume of the second canister and the
first canister are
filled. The portion filled with liquid may be about 70%, about 75%, about 80%,
about 85%,
about 90%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or 100% of
the total
canister volume. The portion filled with liquid may be at least about 70% of
the total canister
volume. The portion filled may be at least about 80% of the total canister
volume. The portion
filled may be at least about 80% of the total canister volume. The portion
filled may be at least
about 90% of the total canister volume. The portion filled may be at least
about 95% of the total
canister volume.
[00349] When a portion of the volume of a first canister, such as about 90%,
is filled with
liquid, the flow of matter may be automatically directed to the second
separator in the series to
fill the second canister. When a portion of the volume of the first canister
and the second
canister is filled with liquid, the flow of matter may be automatically
directed to the third
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separator in the series to separate gas and liquid from the flow of matter and
to fill the third
canister. A system of separators in series may permit the collection of
liquids from a flow of
matter into a series of canisters and separation of gas from the flow of
matter during continuous
suction use of the surgical instrument. A system of separators in series
permits continuous
suction use of the surgical instrument with a greater liquid collection volume
compared to a
single separator.
[00350] FIG. 20A shows an embodiment of a separator coupled with a canister
top. In the
shown embodiment, the separator interface with the canister top provides for
forgoing the
convergence at the bottom of the separator, so that the separator maintains
its widest diameter
and empties directly into the canister at its widest diameter (i.e. without
tapering of separator to
form a smaller exit port). In some embodiments, the canister top is configured
to receive and
couple with a wider diameter exit (i.e. opening) of a separator as shown. In
some embodiments,
the canister top and the separator are fused to form one continuous piece.
[00351] FIG. 20B shows an exploded view of the separator components as
described herein.
It should be understood that the embodiment of the separator and canister top
shown in FIG.
20A and 20B are configured to be used with any and all devices, systems, and
methods
described herein.
[00352] In some embodiments, a flow separation device (i.e. a separator) is
operatively
coupled to a canister. In some embodiments, a flow separation device is
retrofitted to an
existing canister. In some embodiments, a flow separation device is integrated
into a canister.
[00353] A flow separation device is operatively coupled to a surgical
instrument. A flow
separation device is operatively coupled to a surgical instrument via an input
port. A flow
separation device is in fluid communication with a surgical instrument via a
tubing. A flow
separation device is attachable to a surgical instrument. A flow separation
device is retrofitted
to an existing surgical instrument. A flow separation device is an accessory,
such as an optional
accessory, to a surgical instrument.
[00354] In some embodiments, a flow separation device is operatively coupled
to a smoke
filtration canister. In some embodiments, a flow separation device is
operatively coupled to a
smoke filtration canister via a port, such as a suction port. In some
embodiments, a flow
separation device is in fluid communication with a smoke filtration canister
via a tubing. In
some embodiments, a flow separation device is attachable to a smoke filtration
canister. In
some embodiments, a flow separation device is retrofitted to an existing smoke
filtration
canister. In some embodiments, a flow separation device is formed therein a
smoke filtration
canister. In some embodiments, a flow separation device is integrated into a
smoke filtration
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canister. In some embodiments, a flow separation device is an accessory, such
as an optional
accessory, to a smoke filtration canister.
[00355] In some embodiments, a flow of matter enters the flow separation
device from the
surgical instrument at the input port. The flow of matter may comprise a gas,
a liquid, a solid, or
any combination thereof. The flow separation device enhances the suction
capacity of the
surgical instrument compared to a surgical instrument without a flow
separation device
operatively coupled. The flow separation device enhances the suction capacity
of a suction
source, such as a passive suction source, compared to a system without a flow
separation device
operatively coupled. The flow separation device is configured to separate the
gas, the liquid, the
solid, or any combination thereof. The gas exits the flow separation device
from a different port
that the liquid exits. For example, the gas exits the suction port and the
fluid exits the collection
port. In some embodiments, a liquid exiting the collection port of the flow
separation device is
collected in a canister, such as a collection canister, that is operatively
coupled to the flow
separation device. The solid is collected in one or more filters of the flow
separation device. In
some embodiments, the solid also exits the collection port with the liquid.
[00356] The system may include one or more valves, such as a shut off valve, a
ball valve, a
butterfly valve, a clapper valve, a check valve, a choke valve, a diaphragm
valve, a gate valve, a
pinch valve, a piston valve, a plug valve, a poppet valve, a safety valve, or
any combination
thereof The one or more valves is operatively coupled to the flow separation
device, the
surgical instrument, the suction source, or any combination thereof. One or
more valves are
included as a safety feature of the system One or more valves are included to
optimize
performance of the system. For example, a shut off valve may shut off the
system if a volume
of liquid within the flow separation device exceeds a specified volume, such
as a volume
greater than 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or greater the
total inner
volume of the hollow body of the flow separation device. A shut off valve may
shut off the
system if a volume of liquid within the flow separation device exceeds a
volume greater than
70% the total inner volume of the hollow body of the flow separation device. A
shut off valve
may shut off the system if a volume of liquid within the flow separation
device exceeds a
volume greater than 80% the total inner volume of the hollow body of the flow
separation
device. A shut off valve may shut off the system if a volume of liquid within
the flow
separation device causes the liquid to begin to exit all ports of the flow
separation device.
[00357] The system may include one or more alerts. The one or more alerts are
operatively
coupled to the flow separation device, the surgical instrument, the suction
source, or any
combination thereof One or more alerts are included as a safety feature of the
system. One or
more alerts are included to optimize performance of the system. One or more
alerts are a visual
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alert, an audible alert, a mechanical alert, or any combination thereof. A
visual alert is a
constant light, a flashing light, a strobing light, a light of a particular
color (such as red =
system off and green = system on), or any combination thereof An audible alert
is a ring, buzz,
chime, bell, horn, vibration or other audible sound. An alert is a mechanical
alert such as a pop-
out button or flip tab
[00358] FIG. 21A, 21B, and 21C show an embodiment of the separator wherein the
input
port of the separator at an angle relative to a central axis of the hollow
body that is less than 90
degrees. In some embodiments, the input port is angled relative to the central
axis at about 85 ,
80., 75., 70., 65., 60., 55., 50., 45., 40., 35., 30., 25., lu --.
or less. In some embodiments, the
input port is angled at about 70 or less. In some embodiments, he input port
is angled at about
60 or less. The input port is angled at about 50 or less. In some
embodiments, the input port is
angled at about 40 or less. In some embodiments, the input port is angled at
about 30 or less.
In some embodiments, the input port is angled from about 20 to about 50 . In
some
embodiments, the input port is angled from about 40 to about 70 . In some
embodiments, the
input port of the separator is angled to enhance entry of the flow of matter
into the input port,
enhance a cyclonic pattern of flow along an inner surface of the hollow body,
or enhance
movement of liquid towards the collection port, or any combination thereof. In
some
embodiments, the cyclonic pattern of flow along an inner surface of the hollow
body may aid in
separation of a gas from a liquid of the flow of matter. In some embodiments,
the input port of
the separator is configured to direct a flow entering the separator against
the wall of the
separator as the flow enters the separator.
[00359] FIG. 21D shows a bottom view of an embodiment wherein an input port
opening
enters the separator and contacts the central column (or shaft) of the
separator. Typically fluid
traveling from a smaller diameter conduit into a larger diameter conduit tends
to expand at the
point of intersection of the smaller conduit with the larger conduit. Here, as
shown the opening
of the input port enters into the larger diameter interior of the separator so
that fluid expansion
is decreased (as compared to, for example, an input port that opens directly
into a larger
conduit). Also shown, the opening of the input port is shaped so that a side
of the input port
opening extends and contacts the central column (or shaft) while the opening
gradually curves
away from that point so that the edge of the opening tapers away from the
point at which the
opening of the input port contacts the central column. This configuration
directs flow of liquid
and/solid suction material against the inner surface of the separator while
the contact of the
input port with the column tends to draw the flow of gaseous components in the
suction flow
around the central column due to a Coanda effect. The initial separation of
the gas and fluid due
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to the shape and positon of the input port as shown in FIG. 21D enhances the
separation as
described herein.
[00360] FIG. 22A and 22B show a side view and bottom view respectively of an
input port
opening into a separator wherein the opening contacts the central column (or
shaft). Unlike the
embodiment shown in FIG. 21D the opening of the input port is essentially flat
without any
taper. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 21D, a gaseous component of a
suction flow
will tend to be drawn to around the central column of the separator when the
suction flow enters
the separator due to the Coanda effect. Because the opening of the input port
opens into the
separator, as in FIG. 21D, there will be a decrease or prevention of expansion
of the suction
flow as it leaves the input port.
[00361] Also shown in FIG. 21D, and 22B, a baffle comprises a solid surface
that is
proximal to the opening of the input port. Thus, openings in the baffle do not
extend around the
entire circumference of the baffle. The solid surface of the baffle and its
position immediately
proximal to the opening of the input port blocks liquids and or/solids
entering the separator so
that the liquids and/or solids are not immediately drawn up and out of the
suction port of the
separator. Rather blocking the initial escape of solid and/or liquid
components of the suction
flow by the solid portion of the baffle allows for gravity (and/or suction
from the direction of
the canister) to draw the liquids and/or solids down towards the bottom of the
separator. The
gaseous components of the mixture are also initially blocked by the solid
component of the
baffle but these components are affected more strongly by the suction force
through the suction
port (i.e more strongly than gravity and/or a suction force from the direction
of the canister)
which draws the gaseous components up and out of the separator through the
holes in the baffle
which are positioned past the solid portion of the baffle.
[00362] It should be understood that embodiments of baffles with a solid
portion near an
input port may be used with any and all devices, systems, and methods
described herein.
[00363] In some embodiments, the separator comprises one or more baffles. The
one or more
baffles may individually comprise a plurality of openings. The plurality of
openings may
comprise 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more openings. In some embodiments, the
plurality of
openings is 3. In some embodiments, the plurality of openings is 4. In some
embodiments, the
plurality of openings is 5. In some embodiments, the plurality of openings is
6. In some
embodiments, the plurality of openings is 7. In some embodiments, the
plurality of openings is
8. In some embodiments, the plurality of openings is 9. In some embodiments,
the plurality of
openings is 10. In some embodiments, the plurality of openings is positioned
on the one or
more baffles such that they are distal to the input port. In some embodiments,
the one or more
baffles is positioned on a first end of the shaft that is adjacent a second
conical end. In some
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embodiments, the one or more baffles are configured to receive at least a
portion of the flow of
matter to pass through the one or more openings. In some embodiments, the one
or more baffles
are configured to aid in the separation of gas from liquid of the flow of
matter entering the
separator.
[00364] FIG. 23A-230 show different views of a baffle coupled with helical
surface. In some
embodiments, a baffle may be shaped or coupled with a helix. The helix is
configured to guide
the flow of the liquid and/or solid components within the suction flow along a
helical track
down towards the bottom (i.e. the exit port) of the separator. A helical
baffle may be right-
handed or left-handed. The helical baffle may be a conical helix, a circular
helix, a cylindrical
helix, or other. A helical baffle may form a single complete rotation about
the shaft. A helical
baffle may form a single complete rotation about the hollow body. A helical
baffle may form
more than one complete rotation about the shaft. A helical baffle may form
rotations along a
portion of the shaft. A helical baffle may form rotations along a portion of
the hollow body. A
helical baffle may form rotations about a shaft or the hollow body along a
portion of the shaft or
hollow body between the suction port and the input port.
[00365] The shaft may comprise one or more helical structures, such as
indentations or
protrusions. A helical structure may be right-handed or left-handed. The
helical structure may
be a conic helix, a circular helix, a cylindrical helix, or other. A helical
structure may form a
single complete rotation about the shaft. A helical structure may form more
than one complete
rotation about the shaft. A helical structure may form rotations along a
portion of the shaft. A
helical structure may form rotations about a shaft along a portion of the
shaft between the
suction port and the input port. A helical structure may form rotations about
a shaft along a
portion of the shaft between the input port and the collection port. A helical
structure may form
rotations about a shaft along the entire length of the shaft.
[00366] FIG. 24A shows an embodiment of a shaft and a baffle of a separator.
In the shown
embodiment, the shaft comprises a bulbous portion with the top most portion
shaped
comprising a cone. A shaft may be integrated into a separator or attachable
thereto an inner
portion of the hollow body of the separator.
[00367] A shaft may comprise one or more openings. An opening in a shaft may
permit one
or more gases to exit the hollow body, such as via the hollow lumen of the
shaft towards the
suction port. An opening on the shaft may be a circumferential gap space, such
as an annular
opening. An opening on the shaft may be positioned distal to the input port.
An opening on the
shaft may be positioned on a portion of the bulbous end.
[00368] The shaft may be an elongate shaft The shaft may be a cylindrical
shaft. The shaft
may comprise a hollow lumen. The shaft may comprise one or more
circumferential cross-
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section areas along the length of the shaft. Circumferential cross-section
areas along the length
of the shaft may be the same. Circumferential cross-section areas along the
length of the shaft
may vary. For example, the varied circumferential cross-section areas may form
a shaft with a
bulbous end, a protruding end, a spherical end, or other. Varying the
circumferential cross-
section areas along the shaft may enhance laminar flow within the hollow body,
may reduce
eddy currents, may prevent flow convergence, may prevent flow divergence, or
any
combination thereof. For example, a shaft comprising a bulbous end positioned
adjacent to a
port, such as a collection port, having a circumferential cross-section area
that is different than
the circumferential cross-section area of the hollow body, may enhance laminar
flow within the
hollow body, may reduce eddy currents, may prevent flow convergence, may
prevent flow
divergence, or any combination thereof
[00369] A bulbous end of a shaft may form an initial angle of circumferential
expansion and
a secondary angle of circumferential contraction. The initial angle and the
secondary angle may
be the same. The initial angle and the secondary angle may be different.
[00370] The initial angle may be about 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20
degrees, 25
degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 55
degrees, 60 degrees, 65
degrees, 70 degrees, 75 degrees, or 80 degrees relative a central axis of the
shaft. The initial
angle may be about 25 degrees relative a central vertical axis of the shaft.
The initial angle may
be about 30 degrees relative a central vertical axis of the shaft. The initial
angle may be about
35 degrees relative a central vertical axis of the shaft. The initial angle
may be about 40 degrees
relative a central vertical axis of the shaft. The initial angle may be about
40 degrees relative a
central vertical axis of the shaft.
[00371] The secondary angle may be about 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20
degrees, 25
degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 55
degrees, 60 degrees, 65
degrees, 70 degrees, 75 degrees, or 80 degrees relative a central vertical
axis of the shaft. The
secondary angle may be about 25 degrees relative a central vertical axis of
the shaft. The
secondary angle may be about 30 degrees relative a central vertical axis of
the shaft. The
secondary angle may be about 35 degrees relative a central vertical axis of
the shaft. The
secondary angle may be about 40 degrees relative a central vertical axis of
the shaft. The
secondary angle may be about 40 degrees relative a central vertical axis of
the shaft.
[00372] The separator may comprise one or more baffles within the hollow body.
A baffle
may direct a flow of matter, such as a flow of matter entering an inner volume
of a hollow
body. In some cases, the flow of matter may enter the inner volume via an
input port. A baffle
may direct a flow of liquid entering an input port towards a collection port,
such as a cyclonic
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flow. The baffle may direct the flow of liquid away from a suction port. The
baffle may
encourage separation of a flow of matter into a liquid flow stream and a gas
flow stream.
[00373] A baffle may be angled relative to a central vertical axis of the
shaft. A baffle may be
angled at about 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, 45
degrees, 50
degrees, 55 degrees, 60 degrees, 65 degrees, 70 degrees, or about 75 degrees
relative to a
central vertical axis of the shaft. A baffle may be angled at about 25 degrees
relative to a central
vertical axis of the shaft. A baffle may be angled at about 30 degrees
relative to a central
vertical axis of the shaft. A baffle may be angled at about 35 degrees
relative to a central
vertical axis of the shaft. A baffle may be angled at about 40 degrees
relative to a central
vertical axis of the shaft.
[00374] One or more baffles may be attachable thereto the shaft. The one or
more baffles
may be formed therein the shaft. A baffle may be positioned along the shaft at
a location that is
distal to the collection port and adjacent to a suction port. A baffle may be
positioned along the
shaft at a location that is distal to the collection port and between the
suction port and the input
port. A baffle may prevent liquids entering the hollow body via the input port
from exiting the
suction port. A baffle may be a physical barrier to prevent liquids entering
the hollow body via
the input port from exiting the suction port. A baffle may direct liquids
entering the hollow
body via the input port to flow towards a collection port.
[00375] A baffle may comprise one or more openings. A baffle may be
perforated.
Perforations or openings in a baffle may permit one or more gases to exit the
hollow body, such
as via the suction port. A baffle may comprise at least 1 opening. A baffle
may comprise at least
2 openings. A baffle may comprise at least 3 openings. A baffle may comprise
at least 4
openings. A baffle may comprise at least 5 openings. A baffle may comprise at
least 6
openings. An opening on a baffle may circular shaped, rectangular shaped, oval
shaped, square
shaped, square shaped with rounded edges, or others. An opening on a baffle
may be a
circumferential gap space, such as an annular opening. An annular opening on a
baffle may be
positioned adjacent to the shaft and distal from the outer surface of the
hollow body. An
opening on a baffle may be positioned distal to the input port.
[00376] FIG. 24A-24C shows different views of embodiments of baffles including
direction
wings or fins on the openings in the baffle. In these embodiments, the wings
or fins further
block fluid and/or solids in the suction mixture from passing out through the
openings in the
baffle. The wings or fins are positioned so that they are directly between the
direction of flow
and the openings in the baffle and shield the openings by both physically
blocking liquid and/or
solid flow into the openings and redirecting the liquid and/or solid
components downwards. In
some embodiments the wings or fins have a ramp shape so that they direct the
flow of a liquid
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and/or solid away from the opening in the baffle. The wings or fins are
configured to not block
gas entry into the openings.
Example
TIME (seconds) SUCTION
Yankauer (no SLS) 18 Strong
Yankauer (1 SLS) 11 Strong
FIRST (no SLS) 133 Minimal
FIRST (1 SLS) 70 Minimal
FIRST (2 SLS + return loop) 50 Minimal
[00377] Table 1 is a chart illustrating test results of a separator. The chart
illustrates data
relating to two different types of suction devices with and without a
separator in use. The first
type of suction device listed in the chart is a Yankauer suction tip. A
Yankauer suction tip is an
oral suctioning tool typically comprised of a firm plastic suction tip with a
large opening
surrounded by a bulbous head and is designed to allow effective suction
without damaging
surrounding tissues. The second type of suction device (FIRST) listed in the
chart is a suction
device designed for use in various surgical procedures and may include ports
that is variably
opened and closed to adjust a ratio of liquids, solids and gasses suctioned by
the FIRST device.
The term "SLS" refers to the separator disclosed herein.
[00378] The test setup included four collection canisters coupled in series,
as is used in a
common operating room setup. FIG. 12 illustrates an example of two collection
canisters 1214,
1234 including two separators 1202, 1222 coupled in series. The canisters were
coupled to a
CONMED System I200TM Smoke Evacuation System (SES). The chart illustrates the
time
taken to suction 500 cc of 35% glycerol solution at room temperature. In
addition, the chart
illustrates data pertaining to the suction strength of the two suction
devices.
[00379] As illustrated in Table 1, the Yankauer device provided strong suction
with and
without a separator in use. However, suction time decreased from 18 seconds to
11 seconds
with the use of a separator system, such as the separator examples described
herein. The FIRST
device was able to suction 500 cc of 35% glycerol in 133 seconds without the
use of a
separator. Adding one separator to the system decreased the suction time to 70
seconds.
Performance of the FIRST device was improved even further by adding a second
separator to
the system. The suction time of the FIRST device in conjunction with two
separators decreased
to 50 seconds. The data shows that the use of a separator, the examples as
described herein,
may reduce the suction time of various suction times by nearly one-half.
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[00380] The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for
purposes of
illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the
precise form disclosed, and other modifications and variations is possible in
light of the above
teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain
the principles of
the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled
in the art to best
utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are
suited to the
particular use contemplated. It is intended that the appended claims be
construed to include
other alternative embodiments of the invention except insofar as limited by
the prior art.
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